"Justice Denied": CPI(M) Slams HC Order to Register FIR Against Pinarayi Vijayan
CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan slams the Kerala High Court order to register an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, calling it a denial of justice and a political game.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has launched a scathing attack on the Kerala High Court's recent decision to direct law enforcement to register an FIR against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Labeling the move as a "denial of justice," senior CPI(M) leader P Jayarajan claimed the entire proceedings are part of a coordinated political conspiracy.
Allegations of a "Political Game"
Speaking to the media, CPI(M) State Secretariat member P Jayarajan asserted that the petition filed by activist KM Shahjahan was not a genuine legal pursuit but rather a component of a larger "political game" orchestrated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He linked the petitioner to an existing "anti-Pinarayi Vijayan syndicate" that previously attempted to target the leader during the Lavalin case.
"The basic principle of justice—that the person facing allegations should be heard—has been denied to Pinarayi Vijayan," Jayarajan stated. He emphasized that the party intends to take rigorous legal action to challenge the High Court's order.
Claims of Coerced Statements and Fabricated Evidence
The party has raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the evidence presented to the authorities. Another CPI(M) leader, MV Jayarajan, alleged that the investigation is built on falsehoods and intimidation.
According to the party, four key officials associated with the Cochin Minerals Regional Limited (CMRL) were allegedly threatened by the ED to sign specific statements. These officials include:
- The CMRL Managing Director
- The Chief Financial Officer
- The Chief General Manager
- K. Varis
MV Jayarajan claimed that these individuals have since submitted affidavits to the ED Director and Regional Director, providing the actual facts and contradicting the statements they were allegedly forced to sign. "This case is fabricated. Fabricated evidence was given to the Police Chief and the High Court," he added, noting that the party would fight the matter both legally and politically.
Government Takes a Cautious Stance
While the CPI(M) has adopted a combative tone, the Kerala state government appears to be adopting a more measured approach. Minister AP Anilkumar stated that the government is currently reviewing the High Court's judgment to determine the appropriate next steps.
Anilkumar noted that the government has maintained a neutral stance throughout the investigation. "We will examine the court's verdict and take appropriate action. We can comment on the matter only after studying the judgment in detail," the Minister said, adding that the government has acted without any preconceived notions even when the ED initially requested an investigation.
Background of the Case
The controversy stems from a writ petition filed by Advocate KM Shahjahan. The Kerala High Court's order mandates that state law enforcement register an FIR against Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter, and his son-in-law under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This follows a probe initiated by the Kerala government after the ED shared its findings regarding the CMRL payoff case.