Supreme Court bench on Friday has Dismissed Ex CM of Jharkhand Hemant Soren Plea filed against ED Arrest. Supreme court directed Soren to approach the Jharkhand High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, saying he can request for early listing of his petition. The decision came after senior advocate Kapil Sibal along with senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi immediately presented Soren’s case before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading to the formation of a special bench to hear the plea.
During the proceedings, Justice Sanjiv Khanna stressed the importance of following proper legal channels and questioned why the matter could not be addressed by the High Court. Despite Sibal’s plea, the judge remained adamant and said that Soren can request relief under Article 226 before the High Court. The bench clarified that Soren has already filed a petition in the Jharkhand High Court, which is pending and he can request an early hearing there.
Soren’s lawyers urged the bench to set a deadline for the high court to hear the case, but Justice Khanna insisted that he would not control the high court proceedings. After the court’s decision, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju commented on the formation of the special bench and Sibal protested and alleged political motives behind Soren’s arrest.
Hemant Soren, facing charges of money laundering related to the illegal mining case and land scam in Ranchi, has consistently argued against the jurisdiction of the criminal proceedings. They argue that the arrest lacks merit, calling it arbitrary and vindictive, violating their fundamental rights. The ED claims the disputed assets are proceeds of crime, and Soren has been accused of unauthorized possession and aiding and abetting in concealing records.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Soren is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate for money laundering in connection with an illegal mining case and an alleged land scam. Several people, including an IAS officer and a businessman, have been arrested in the land scam case. After Soren’s arrest on January 31, he had to resign from the post of Chief Minister and a new leader took charge. Soren challenged his arrest in the Jharkhand High Court and also approached the Supreme Court questioning the application of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The Supreme Court pointed to alternative remedies and directed him to approach the High Court, where his previous petition is pending.
