CMRL Challenges Court Ruling Enabling ED Inquiry

Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) has appealed a Kerala High Court ruling that permits the Enforcement Directorate to investigate its financial dealings, including those associated with Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter. The company argues the judgment was prejudiced, delivered after being twice reserved since 2024.

The case originated from Income Tax raids in January 2019 and subsequent SFIO investigations. CMRL maintains the ED lacked jurisdiction at the probe's inception due to the absence of a scheduled offence. In its appeal, CMRL points to violations of natural justice, as it was unable to address new affidavits filed by the ED.

Claiming the judgment allows retrospective application of scheduled offences to confer investigative authority, CMRL requests that the judgment be set aside and its operation stayed. CMRL had initially sought to quash the ED's proceedings by questioning the validity of its jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)