HC upholds discharge of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, 2 others in graft case

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday upheld discharge of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and two others in SNC Lavalin graft case.

The court ruled that prima facie there was no case against Vijayan in the 20-year-old corruption case.

The court also said the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was unable to prove that accused had gained from the alleged deal.

Supreme Court lawyer Harish Salve, appearing for Vijayan in the SNC Lavalin case had in March rubbished the chargesheet filed by CBI against Vijayan.

Salve had argued before the Kerala High Court that there was absolutely no material to suggest conspiracy in the charge-sheet filed against the chief minister.

Salve argued that Vijayan had not personally benefited in any manner from the deal.

The allegation related to the award of supply contract to a Canadian company – SNC-Lavalin Inc regarding renovation and modernization (R&M) of three hydro- electric projects -- Pallivasal, Sengulam and Panniar -- by the KSEB in total violation of rules and regulations at an exorbitant rate. Pinarayi Vijayan was the then power minister.