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Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has approached the Supreme Court, citing delays in the Jharkhand High Court’s decision regarding his petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. Soren’s arrest, subsequent to his resignation as Chief Minister, has sparked legal proceedings, with his plea awaiting a verdict since February 28.
In response to the perceived delay in the High Court’s ruling, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, urged an urgent hearing from a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta. Sibal highlighted that despite the High Court reserving its judgment on February 28, no decision has been rendered thus far. The Supreme Court acknowledged the matter and assured that it would examine the situation.
Hemant Soren’s arrest by the ED on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case has led to a legal tussle, with the agency alleging the recovery of cash and documents related to illegal land possession. Soren’s petition challenging his arrest has been pending before the Jharkhand High Court, awaiting a verdict.
Following his resignation as Chief Minister, Soren’s party appointed a successor. However, his arrest by the ED after extensive questioning has raised legal complexities, with Soren seeking legal recourse to challenge the agency’s actions.
Earlier attempts by Soren to participate in the State Assembly’s budget session were thwarted by the High Court’s refusal to grant permission. Soren, through his legal representative Sibal, argued that his non-inclusion in the chargesheet and his previous position as Chief Minister warranted his attendance in the Assembly session.
The ED has accused Soren of involvement in activities linked to the acquisition and concealment of proceeds of crime. The agency asserts that Soren knowingly engaged in processes aimed at presenting these proceeds as legitimate assets.
