New Delhi, Oct. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Friday declined to take up an urgent plea by former Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a stay on vigilance proceedings in the Rs 278-crore CMRL-Exalogic case, despite his apprehension of imminent arrest.

Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Vijayan, told a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that the 82-year-old leader faced the possibility of arrest.

"An 82-year-old man facing possible arrest. We are seeking protection from arrest or any other coercive action. It is a matter of liberty," Luthra said, seeking an urgent hearing.

He challenged the Kerala High Court's order directing registration of an FIR, arguing that it was passed by a...