Tue Feb 03 20:37:27 UTC 2026: ### Kerala High Court Upholds Fine Against Journalist in CMRL-Exalogic and Sabarimala Temple Probe Requests

The Story:

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, dismissed a review petition filed by Ernakulam-based journalist M.R. Ajayan, upholding an earlier order that imposed a ₹40,000 cost on him. The court’s decision stems from Ajayan’s filing of four petitions under Section 8 of the Kerala High Court Act, 1958, during a vacation period, without demonstrating sufficient urgency. These petitions included requests for a CBI probe into alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, owned by Veena T., daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as well as a separate probe into alleged misappropriation of gold from the Sabarimala temple.

The initial vacation bench had levied ₹10,000 per case against Ajayan after his lawyer failed to appear during the scheduled sitting. The High Court has now affirmed that there is no basis to overturn the previous order.

Key Points:

  • M.R. Ajayan, a journalist, filed a review petition against a ₹40,000 cost imposed on him by the Kerala High Court.
  • The cost was initially levied for filing four petitions during a vacation period under Section 8 of the Kerala High Court Act, 1958, without proving urgency.
  • The petitions included requests for CBI probes into CMRL-Exalogic transactions involving Veena T. and alleged Sabarimala temple gold misappropriation.
  • Ajayan’s lawyer failed to appear during the vacation sitting.
  • The High Court has dismissed the review petition, upholding the initial cost order.

Critical Analysis:

(Omitted, no basis for analysis based on provided context.)

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kerala High Court is enforcing strict adherence to procedural rules regarding urgent filings.
  • The Court is scrutinizing requests for CBI investigations, particularly those involving high-profile individuals or sensitive matters.
  • The case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of financial dealings involving CMRL and Exalogic Solutions Private Limited, as well as issues surrounding the Sabarimala temple.
  • The High Court’s decision may act as a deterrent to filing petitions without demonstrating a clear and justifiable reason for urgency.

Impact Analysis:

(Omitted, no long-term implications based on provided context.)

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