Supreme Court Extends Stay to Ten Days in CMRL-Exalogic Case

The Supreme Court has extended the stay on the investigation into First Information Reports against former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T. Veena, and son-in-law P.A. Mohamed Riyas to 10 days in an updated published order. When the court made its oral pronouncement in open court on October 21, it had set the stay period at seven days, but the written order issued later changed this to 10 days.

Background

A Special Bench consisting of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard the petition during the Dussehra vacations after Mr. Vijayan expressed fears of imminent arrest. The petitioners argued that the Single Judge Bench had ordered the registration of FIRs under the Prevention of Corruption Act on October 9 without making them parties or hearing them first. The apex court set aside an October 15 order by the Kerala High Court Division Bench that had refused leave to appeal, and sent the case back to the High Court for proper adjudication.

Context

The Supreme Court oversees the judicial system in India and hears appeals against decisions made by High Courts across the country. Legal disputes involving political figures frequently involve complex questions regarding the procedures for filing investigations and whether proper notice was given to all affected parties.