Kerala High Court Directs State To Inform On Steps Taken In FIR Over 'Attack' On ED Officials After Search At Ex-CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Home

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (June 4) directed the State to file an affidavit detailing the steps taken pursuant to the FIR filed over alleged "attack" on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials following the agency's search operation at the residence of former CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter on May 27.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M passed the order in a PIL petition filed by an advocate seeking CBI enquiry into the incident. 

The counsel for the petitioner argued that the investigation was proceeding in a snail's pace and only 10 persons were arrested in connected with the incident. 

"The investigation on the matter is proceeding like a snail. Around 300 persons are mentioned in the FIR, below 10 persons are arrested. This is the first time in the history of Kerala. Assault is taking place against ED. This incident gives a wrong message to the entire society," the petitioner argued. 

The Court questioned the need for CBI investigation, noting that it is premature to assume that the police will  not investigate the incident. 

"Why CBI is needed...It is premature to suggest in this stage that the Police did not investigate or the charge sheet will not be filed." Court orally said. 

It further said the law is settled on the circumstances in which CBI should investigate a matter. 

"Supreme Court has clearly stated the law on this.. where the CBI should be allowed and where the CBI should not be allowed.. It is only ...complaint has been lodged..CBI will be engaged .. when the complete State machinery is acting with the miscreants and thereby there is a possibility of not having a fair investigation.. these are the rarest cases..The entire principles have been laid down.." the court orally said. 

At this stage, Additional Solicitor General of India, P. Sreekumar sought time to get instructions since the petitioner has raised issue with the State as well as the persons who attacked the ED officials. 

"Going through the grievance.. They are both blaming the person who has obstructed the ED officials and the government also... one reason they are saying is that there are so many telephone, mobile etc.. that is why the delay is caused.. if something goes wrong.. it can go against the investigation .. that is what they say... To submit further, I must get the instruction to ascertain Whether the enforcement officials is against the investigating officer … whether they want CBI investigation etc., can only be submitted after getting instructions...,"  ASGI submitted.

The Court thus directed the Government pleader to file a statement on the steps taken pursuant to the FIR.

Notably,a  Thiruvananthapuram court had dismissed the bail plea of five accused arrested in connection with the alleged attack on ED officials. 

The matter is posted after two weeks. 

Case Title: Jojo Jose v The Chief Secretary and Ors. 

Case No: WP(PIL) 114/ 2026

Counsel for Petitioner: Radhakrishnan R