High Court verdict gives CPM solid stick to beat Opposition
Hyphen Web Desk
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The Kerala High Court has dismissed two petitions seeking a vigilance investigation into alleged corruption involving Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, Veena Vijayan. Justice K Babu, presiding over the single-judge bench, rejected the petitions but annulled an earlier vigilance court's observation that the allegations were politically motivated.
The petitions alleged that Veena Vijayan and her company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., received illicit payments purportedly facilitated by her father, the Chief Minister. The complainants contended that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic between 2017 and 2020 without receiving any services in return, suggesting the payments were made due to Veena's relationship with a prominent person.
Justice Babu's dismissal of the petitions was based on the absence of prima facie evidence to substantiate the allegations. However, the court overturned the vigilance court's earlier remark that the claims were politically motivated, emphasizing that such observations were unwarranted in the absence of a thorough investigation.
The court's decision has bolstered the ruling CPM, with several leaders expressing support for Chief Minister Vijayan. Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian stated that the verdict reaffirms the Chief Minister's integrity and exposes the baseless nature of the opposition's accusations.
The petitions alleged that Veena Vijayan and her company, Exalogic Solutions Pvt. Ltd., received illicit payments purportedly facilitated by her father, the Chief Minister. The complainants contended that Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic between 2017 and 2020 without receiving any services in return, suggesting the payments were made due to Veena's relationship with a prominent person.
Justice Babu's dismissal of the petitions was based on the absence of prima facie evidence to substantiate the allegations. However, the court overturned the vigilance court's earlier remark that the claims were politically motivated, emphasizing that such observations were unwarranted in the absence of a thorough investigation.
The court's decision has bolstered the ruling CPM, with several leaders expressing support for Chief Minister Vijayan. Fisheries and Culture Minister Saji Cherian stated that the verdict reaffirms the Chief Minister's integrity and exposes the baseless nature of the opposition's accusations.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M B Rajesh echoed this sentiment, asserting that the judiciary's impartial assessment has vindicated Vijayan. CPI-M State Secretary M V Govindan also emphasized that the ruling underscores the party's consistent stance on the issue.
Conversely, the opposition has voiced dissatisfaction with the court's ruling. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, one of the petitioners, expressed disappointment, stating that the dismissal does not address the core concerns raised about transparency and accountability in governance. He indicated plans to consult legal experts on potential further actions.
The controversy originated from reports citing an Income Tax Settlement Board ruling, which indicated that CMRL had an agreement with Exalogic for consulting and software support services. The reports alleged that despite no services being rendered, payments were made monthly due to Veena's relationship with a prominent individual.
In response to the allegations, various agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, and Income Tax Department, have conducted inquiries. Notably, Veena Vijayan has not been questioned in connection with the case.
Conversely, the opposition has voiced dissatisfaction with the court's ruling. Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, one of the petitioners, expressed disappointment, stating that the dismissal does not address the core concerns raised about transparency and accountability in governance. He indicated plans to consult legal experts on potential further actions.
The controversy originated from reports citing an Income Tax Settlement Board ruling, which indicated that CMRL had an agreement with Exalogic for consulting and software support services. The reports alleged that despite no services being rendered, payments were made monthly due to Veena's relationship with a prominent individual.
In response to the allegations, various agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, Serious Fraud Investigation Office, and Income Tax Department, have conducted inquiries. Notably, Veena Vijayan has not been questioned in connection with the case.
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