The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, reserved its verdict on a plea seeking an FIR in the CMRL-Exalogic case against Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena Vijayan and son-in-law Mohammed Riyas. The court is examining whether the state police can conduct a preliminary inquiry before registering an FIR based on information sent by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Key HighlightsKerala HC reserved its verdict on the FIR plea.The plea names Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas.The case involves information sent by the ED to Kerala Police.The court is examining the need for a preliminary inquiry.What Is the CMRL-Exalogic Case?The case relates to alleged financial transactions involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, a company linked to Veena Vijayan.The ED has sent information to the Kerala Police concerning alleged offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The information was sent under Section 66(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, according to court proceedings. The latest court proceedings are focused mainly on the legal process for registering an FIR. The court has not, through this order, made a finding of guilt against the people named in the plea.Why Was the FIR Not Registered Earlier?The Kerala government ordered a preliminary inquiry by the state police after receiving information from the ED. A Special Investigation Team was also formed to examine the matter.The petitioner argued that the police should have registered an FIR directly. The ED also argued that there was no need for another preliminary inquiry in the present case.The state government, however, argued that the matter needed some verification before an FIR could be registered.What Legal Question Is the Kerala HC Examining?A key question before the court is whether information provided by the ED under Section 66(2) of the PMLA requires the police to register an FIR immediately.The court is also examining whether the police can first conduct a preliminary inquiry when more verification is considered necessary.During the hearing, the court noted that the answer can depend on the facts of each case. “Registration of FIR is mandatory. But whether it is mandatory is to be decided on the facts involved in each case,” the court observed during the hearing. What Did the ED Tell the Court?The ED argued that the state police should register an FIR based on the information sent by the agency. The agency has maintained that its findings provide material that requires further criminal investigation. The court also examined a communication sent by the ED to the Kerala Police Chief. The document was produced before the court in a sealed cover.The state government argued that the present plea was premature and that the preliminary inquiry should be allowed to continue. What Happens Next?The Kerala High Court has reserved its verdict, meaning the court will pronounce its decision at a later date.The decision will determine the next legal step in the FIR plea. Until the verdict is delivered, the preliminary inquiry remains an important part of the ongoing process.The court's decision will also clarify how information supplied by the ED should be handled by state police in cases involving alleged offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Also Read : ED Raids Properties Linked To Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Pay Off Case Probe
