Thiruvananthapuram: Home minister Ramesh Chennithala has said that govt would decide on registering a case in the CMRL-Exalogic financial transaction case after examining the legal advice received on the recommendation of enforcement directorate.Chennithala said the home department was examining the legal aspects of the ED communication and that further action would be decided in consultation with CM V D Satheesan. He also said there was no need to discuss the matter with Congress brass as it was an issue that could be decided by the state govt.“We will examine what can legally be done and take appropriate action,” Chennithala said.The advocate general has reportedly advised govt that the material in the ED report could form the basis for registering a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The legal advice also reportedly states that govt can decide the manner in which the investigation should proceed.The ED had sought registration of cases against former chief minister and current leader of opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena and former minister P A Mohamed Riyas in connection with alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Veena’s now-defunct company Exalogic Solutions. The agency has alleged that payments made by CMRL to Exalogic were linked to an alleged corruption transaction.According to the legal advice, if the ED communication contains sufficient evidence, an FIR can be registered and an investigation conducted. If further verification is considered necessary, a preliminary inquiry could precede registration of an FIR.Govt had faced criticism over the delay in taking a decision on the ED recommendation. With the legal opinion now available, the matter has moved to the home department for further action.Govt will also have to consider the wider legal and administrative implications before deciding on the next course of action, with Chennithala indicating that the final decision will be taken after consultation with the CM.
