No Restriction On 'Serious Fraud Investigation' Against Company Owned By CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Daughter: Centre To Kerala High Court

The Central government has informed the Kerala High Court that there is no restriction on investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office into Exalogic Solutions, an IT company owned by CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, which is allegedly involved in CMRL bribery case.

The company is alleged to have received kickbacks from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd., without having rendered any service. A probe against it is already initiated under Section 210(1)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013.

According to Section 210, Central Government may order investigation into the affairs of a company in public interest.

The bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran had earlier inquired from the Centre if any further action by the SFIO has been ordered or found warranted.

On Wednesday, Senior Central Government Counsel RV Sreejith though sought more time to seek instructions on this aspect, he asserted "mere initiation of an inquiry under Section 210 of the 'Act' would not preclude an investigation under Section 212 thereof, if found warranted."

The development comes in a petition filed by Advocate Shone George seeking SFIO probe into CMRL. Exalogica Solutions is also a party-respondent to the case though no notice is issued to it yet.

The matter is now posted on February 12.

Counsel for Petitioner: Advocates Mariya Rajan, Shinu J Pillai, S suja, Aiswarya James, Nesmel Divan, Divya Bijoy, and Swetha Elizabeth Sabor.

Click here to read/download the Order