‘Withdrew Summons Issued to CPI(M) Leader Thomas Isaac’: ED to Kerala HC

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Kerala High Court its withdrawal of the summons issued to senior CPI(M) leader Thomas Isaac.

This action is part of the agency’s investigation into alleged financial violations during Isaac’s tenure as the state Finance Minister in the previous LDF government related to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

The ED also informed the court of the withdrawal of summons issued to KIIFB officials in connection with the probe. This disclosure was made during the hearing of a plea filed by Isaac and a KIIFB official, asserting that the ED sought only personal information through the summons and requesting the quashing of the same.

A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran, considering the agency’s withdrawal of the summons, disposed of the petitions. Simultaneously, the court emphasized that the ED is at liberty to proceed with its investigation.

In response to the High Court’s decision, Isaac, in a Facebook post, expressed his opposition to an unfounded inquiry by the agency into KIIFB’s activities without evidence. Isaac stated that even the High Court acknowledged the validity of his arguments. While allowing the ED to continue its investigation, he emphasized that if summoned, there must be substantiated evidence; otherwise, he would approach the court again.

Isaac, in his plea, asserted that the ED’s summons did not disclose the nature of any violation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) or the specifics of the investigation for which his response was sought.

The ED had issued a notice to the senior Marxist leader in July last year, requesting his appearance. However, Isaac did not comply, citing his need to attend classes at a party-run institute in the state capital. At that time, he characterized the ED’s notice as a ‘political move’ by the BJP government at the Centre, alleging the misuse of investigation agencies for political gains.