A financial scandal related to a hydroelectric infrastructure contract between the Kerala Government and the Canadian company SNC-Lavalin in 1995 resulted in an alleged net loss to the Indian exchequer of 3,745,000,000 rupees.[1][2]
The contract outlined the renovation and modernization of the hydroelectric power stations at Pallivasal, Sengulam, and Panniar that were originally installed between 1940 and 1964 in the Idukki district of Kerala, India.[3]
Several politicians were involved and eventually charged in the case, including present chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan,[4] the first ever corruption-related prosecution of a Politburo member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).[5] However, on 5 November 2013, Pinarayi Vijayan and 6 other accused were temporarily cleared of charges by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Court because "the CBI could not prove any of its charges".[6] The CBI then went on with an appeal in Kerala High Court. On 23 August 2017, The Kerala High Court ruled on the case, and Pinarayi Vijayan was acquitted again.[7][8] As of 2020 July, CBI's petition against acquittal of Pinarayi Vijayan is pending in the Supreme Court.
- ^ "CAG finds lapses in deal with Lavalin". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 14 February 2006.
- ^ "CBI to grill Pinarayi in Lavalin case". The Indian Express.
- ^ "SNC Lavalin case: The scam and the probe so far". Indian Express. 10 February 2009.
- ^ "Pinaryai Vijayan's may figure in SNC-Lavlin scam". The Times of India. 22 January 2009. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013.
- ^ "CBI set to prosecute CPM Kerala boss, party in a fix". Indian Express. 22 January 2009.
- ^ Nair, C. Gouridasan (5 November 2013). "Pinarayi cleared of charges in Lavalin case". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
- ^ "Kerala HC upholds discharge of Pinarayi Vijayan in SNC-Lavalin corruption case". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
- ^ "Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan acquitted in SNC-Lavalin case, HC says CBI has no evidence against him". The Indian Express. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
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