India, Oct. 12 -- The Kerala high court's ruling on October 9, directing the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to register an FIR and initiate an inquiry against leader of opposition Pinarayi Vijayan, his son-in-law and CPI(M) MLA PA Mohammed Riyas and daughter Veena T is seen as a major setback for the veteran CPI(M) leader and his party as well as a slap on the wrist for the UDF government in the state.

The consequential ruling of the high court came on a writ petition filed by activist-lawyer KM Shajahan seeking directions to charge Vijayan and others under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act based on the findings of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its inquiry into monthly payments made by Cochin Minerals and Rutile Li...