Today, the Supreme Court, while hearing an SLP filed against the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter, orally remarked that the forum such as that of Supreme Court should not be used for fighting political battles and dismissed the Petition.

Vijayan and his daughter was accused of receiving Rs.1.72 Crores and charged with the offences punishable under Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Sections 120B and 34 of IPC. However, the Kerala High Court dismissed the Petition against them.

The Bench of Chief Justice B.R Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard the matter and orally remarked, "We don't want this forum to be used for fighting political battles."


Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar appearing for the Petitioner submitted that in the judgement passed by the Kerala High Court it was observed that all the facts stated against Vijayan and his daughter were mere suspicion.

While, the CJI remarked that they have been consistently saying that such political battles should be fought outside Court. "We don't want this forum to be used for fighting political battles", said CJI.

While the Kumar explained and continued to submit that the High Court has found that there was no motive behind the petition.

Thereafter, the Bench refused to entertain the Special Leave Petition.

"Fight your political battles before the electoral. Don't use Court", remarked CJI.

Background

A complaint was filed by Congress MLA Mathew A. Kuzhalnadan against the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter and a company owned by his daughter. Vijayan and his daughter were accused of receiving Rs.1.72 Crores and charged with the offences punishable under Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Sections 120B and 34 of IPC.

Vijayan was accused of misusing his official position to grant exemption for the landed properties owned by one M/S Kerala Rare Earth and Minerals Ltd (KREML) from the ceiling limit under the Land Reforms Act.

The Kerala High Court dismissed the revision petition against Vijayan and stated, “ In view of the finding that the complainant failed to place facts constituting the offences alleged, the revision petition is only to be dismissed.”

The High Court also underscored that an unnecessary investigation or an enquiry into an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a public servant based on such suspicions may cause a blemish on his career or reputation.

Cause Title: Mathew A. Kuzhalnadan V. Pinarayi Vijayan And Ors. (Diary No. 33761-2025 II-D )

Chief Justice B.R GavaiJustice K. Vinod Chandran

Pridhi Chopra

    Pridhi Chopra was earlier practicing as an Advocate in Delhi. She pursued B.A. (H) English from Gargi College, University of Delhi, and subsequently pursued a degree in Law.