Supreme Court Adjourns Lavalin Case Hearing Again: CBI Senior Counsel Absent

In yet another delay to the long-standing Lavalin case, the Supreme Court has postponed the hearing once again due to the absence of the senior counsel representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyyan, chose to adjourn the proceedings, making it the thirty-sixth postponement in this protracted legal battle.

At the heart of the case lies a substantial financial loss of Rs 374 crore incurred in a contract between the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Canadian-based company SNC Lavalin. The contract pertained to the renovation and modernization of hydroelectric projects situated in Idukki district back in 1996. Notably, during this period, Pinarayi Vijayan, the current Chief Minister of Kerala, held the position of state power minister in the cabinet of E.K. Nayanar.

The High Court had previously ruled in favor of CM Vijayan, absolving him of any wrongdoing in the case. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation has persistently contested this decision, urging the Supreme Court to initiate a trial against him. Consequently, the Supreme Court has found itself grappling with this case since 2017. Despite the passage of time and the multitude of hearings, a final resolution continues to elude the judicial process.

It’s important to note that the frequent adjournments have led to growing frustration and impatience among the public and legal observers, who are eager to see a definitive conclusion to this high-profile case. As the case remains mired in delays, questions are raised about the efficiency and efficacy of the legal system in delivering swift justice, especially in cases of significant public interest and political significance.