Kochi, 26 Oct (H.S.): The Kerala High Court’s division bench stayed a single bench order directing registration of an FIR and an investigation into the CMRL–Exalogic case based on a letter from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The bench halted further proceedings arising from the FIR and ordered suspension of the investigation while admitting appeals filed by Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, her husband and former minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and others.

Issuing notices to the ED and state Vigilance, the court directed both agencies to submit detailed counter-affidavits within four weeks. Detailed hearings on the appeals will begin on November 25.

During the proceedings, the bench sharply criticised petitioner K.M. Shajahan, warning him against attempting to challenge a Supreme Court order before the High Court. When he said he intended to seek revision of the apex court’s order, the bench responded that he should first get that order set aside.

The court observed that support from the media or the public could not determine judicial proceedings. It also questioned whether Shajahan had followed the prescribed procedure for pursuing a criminal complaint.

Explaining the sequence, the bench said a complainant should first approach police, then a superior officer if no action followed, and subsequently the magistrate, who could refer the complaint to police.

Shajahan replied that he could not directly approach the magistrate in this matter and had complained to the state police chief.

Vijayan and Veena had challenged the single bench ruling, contending that it was issued without hearing them. After the division bench initially rejected their appeals, they approached the Supreme Court along with Riyas.

The apex court stayed the single bench order for a week and directed the High Court’s division bench to reconsider and decide their appeals. The latest interim order followed that direction to re-examine their legal challenge.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman