Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has approached the Supreme Court, citing a delay in the state high court’s decision on his petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges. Soren’s plea for urgent action comes as he faces legal battles and seeks relief ahead of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, emphasized the urgency of the matter before a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta. Soren’s petition alleges that despite a final hearing in late February, the judgment on his arrest has not been delivered by the high court, prompting concerns over prolonged legal proceedings affecting his political activities during the election period.
Soren’s legal journey began with a plea to the Supreme Court on the evening of January 31, seeking protection from arrest on grounds of alleged illegal actions and political motivations by the ED. However, the Supreme Court directed him to pursue the case in the Jharkhand high court initially, without setting a deadline for a decision. Soren’s subsequent plea before the high court awaits a judgment as he seeks redress and a declaration of his arrest as unconstitutional.
The ED’s accusations against Soren stem from alleged land-related irregularities in Ranchi, involving a network of individuals creating fake deeds and misappropriating prime land parcels. Key figures in this case, including a Kolkata-based businessman and an arrested Indian Administrative Officer, are central to the ED’s investigations. The ED’s charge sheet, filed in 2023, outlines the alleged fraudulent activities and identifies several individuals and companies linked to the case.
In addition to his petition challenges, Soren has filed a bail plea before a Ranchi trial court, scheduled for hearing on May 1, as he seeks legal recourse and relief from ongoing legal proceedings.
Sources By Agencies