Kerala has referred a proposal to transfer a 49 per cent stake in the Vizhinjam port project to Mediterranean Shipping Company to an Empowered Committee after Adani Ports announced United States dollar (USD) 1.4 billion (bn) in transactions with the global carrier. The committee is headed by the Chief Secretary and will examine the concession agreement, the state's interests and the legal aspects of the proposed transfer before making recommendations to the cabinet. The referral followed a request from the concessionaire seeking the state's prior approval for the change in shareholding. The Chief Minister, V D Satheesan, informed the cabinet that a final decision would follow the panel's report and that the state would not take a decision contrary to Kerala's interests. He clarified that the government had not previously received an official request for prior approval and stressed that no share transfer had yet taken place. The cabinet asked the committee to scrutinise the concession pact and to report back with legal and policy recommendations. Satheesan pointed to Clause 5.3 of the concession agreement, which bars transfer of more than 25 per cent of company shares without the state's prior consent, and to Clause 5.8.1, which requires the port to remain a common-user facility and allows government intervention to prevent monopolies. He also said discussions between Adani Ports and MSC had been ongoing for nearly a year and noted that MSC representatives attended the Vizhinjam Conclave organised in 2025. Reports cited plans for a planned investment of Rs 13,000-crore, which equates to Rs 130 bn, and the chief minister said the government would review such commitments as part of the committee's remit. The Empowered Committee will assess contractual compliance, state safeguards and any competition concerns before advising the cabinet. The cabinet will consider the committee's recommendations and take a final decision thereafter. Officials will study the concession text and any formal requests to ensure adherence to the agreement and protection of public interest.