Has CM Vijayan Found Major Relief with SC's Stay on CBI Probe against KM Abraham?

Synopsis
In a stunning turn of events, the Supreme Court has granted a stay on the CBI probe against Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan's aide, K.M. Abraham. This judicial relief could alter the political landscape in Kerala and provide temporary shelter from rising opposition pressures.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court stays CBI investigation
- K.M. Abraham receives temporary relief
- Political implications for CM Vijayan
- Opposition pressures mount
- Future hearings anticipated
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, April 30 (NationPress) In a significant respite for Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his close associate K.M. Abraham, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a stay on a Kerala High Court ruling that mandated a CBI investigation into allegations that Abraham had unlawfully accumulated wealth.
Abraham, who previously served as Chief Secretary and is currently the Chief Principal Secretary to the CM as well as the CEO of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), contested the High Court's directive in the Supreme Court.
The apex court granted the stay on technical grounds, observing that similar cases were already under consideration.
The counsel for the petitioner contended that the CBI had initiated the case without the essential approval from the state government.
In granting the interim relief, the Supreme Court also sent notices to the Kerala government and to Joemon Puthenpurackal, the public activist who initiated the original petition.
The matter is scheduled for a more comprehensive hearing in the future.
This stay comes just two days after the CBI officially began its investigation—on April 28—concerning allegations that Abraham had unlawfully gathered wealth between 2003 and 2015, as per the High Court’s directive.
The CBI's First Information Report (FIR), which is approximately 600 pages long, is now publicly accessible.
Puthenpurackal, who has been advocating for this issue for nearly a decade, has accused Abraham of previously utilizing his influence to derail a Vigilance inquiry into similar allegations.
The temporary relief for Abraham also serves as a political reprieve for CM Vijayan. The opposition Congress has intensified its demands for Vijayan to dismiss Abraham from his position, claiming that the Chief Minister’s Office is protecting individuals engaged in corrupt activities.
The Congress has drawn comparisons between Abraham and M. Sivasankar, Vijayan’s former Principal Secretary, who has faced incarceration twice in connection with different cases and is currently out on bail.
The CPI(M) and Vijayan have firmly supported Abraham in light of the High Court order, claiming he is pursuing legitimate legal channels. Wednesday’s Supreme Court stay provides them with temporary relief.