KIIFB Case: Kerala High Court Directs ED To Summon Thomas Isaac After Elections (image:facebook.com/thomasisaaq)

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) not to summon former Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac for questioning till the Lok Sabha election is over. In a relief to Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, the Court observed that it is “not proper” to summon a candidate during the election period.

The directive was issued as Thomas Isaac challenged the legality behind ED”s summons at the Court. The summons was in relation with a masala bonds case. In the plea, Thomas Isaac argued that the sole intention behind agency”s latest summons was to hinder his election campaign, The Hindu reported.

Justice PR Ravi asked the federal agency to question the former minister after the elections are over. Thomas Isaac is contesting as an LDF candidate from Pathanamthitta constituency.

“I think it is not proper to disturb a candidate who is facing an election for a representation in the Parliament at this stage, particularly because only less than a month is available for completing the elections,” The Wire reports, as the Court is saying.

The federal agency is looking into Thomas Isaac”s alleged involvement in the financial activities of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) while he was serving as the finance minister in the previous LDF government. Established in 1999, KIIFB is a statutory body formulated under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Act. It allows to mobilise funds for infrastructure development projects in Kerala and functions as funding arm of the state government.

Welcoming the High Court directive, CPI(M) leader wrote on X: “I welcome Kerala HC upholding sanctity of the electoral process. ED was doing the opposite by summoning me during the election campaign while court was considering the case. Court orders ED not to disturb me during election period. My contention that I am not bound to appear before ED remains open.”

I welcome Kerala HC upholding sanctity of the electoral process. ED was doing the opposite by summoning me during the election campaign while court was considering the case. Court orders ED not to disturb me during election period. My contention that I am not bound to appear… pic.twitter.com/mUuDqIXQ3B

— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) April 10, 2024

The next hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 22, and that will be after Lok Sabha polls conducted in Kerala.