IN WHAT can be called a brave step, the governor of Kerala, RS Gawai, allowed the CBI to go on with the prosecution of Communist Party of India-Marxist’s state secretary Pinaray Vijayan, who is charged as the ninth accused in the Lavalin scandal.

The decision is a landmark development in the 14-year-old scandal, which is known for its complexity and also due to the involvement of the major political leaders in Kerala.

With the stunning decision of the governor, which was instantly termed as unconstitutional by the CPIM, the long defence of the Viajayan by the party gets rid of.

The political circles of Kerala have been eagerly waiting for a final word from the governor after the state cabinet led by the CPI(M) adopted a strong stand against the prosecution of their leader. The issue attracted extensive attention as advocate general, Sudakara Prasad also advised the governor to halt the prosecution process against Vijayan.

After long discussions with the CBI, the governer decided to make Vijayan face the court.