A Division Bench of Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V. Menon on Thursday recused itself from hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions Pvt. Ltd. owned by Veena T., daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Earlier, Justice Syam Kumar V.M. who was part of a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar had recused himself from hearing the case, after which the matter was posted before a new Division Bench. The PIL that had been filed by M.R. Ajayan, an Ernakulam-based journalist, is now expected to be posted before another Division Bench.
Stating that the Interim Board for Settlement of Income Tax had mentioned the names of several individuals who had received money from the CMRL, Mr. Ajayan had contended that a CBI probe was needed to uncover the full extent of funds that the CMRL allegedly gave them. Subsequently, the High Court directed the counsel representing Mr. Vijayan, Ms. Veena, and the CMRL to file a counter affidavit.
In an affidavit earlier this year, Ms. Veena had submitted that all financial transactions among Exalogic, herself, and the CMRL were conducted through legitimate electronic means, ensuring traceability and transparency. The PIL failed to show that she or her father influenced any decision in favour of the CMRL, or any kickback was received as a result of such favour, she added.
Published – November 06, 2025 07:59 pm IST
