Ranchi, February 3, 2024: The Jharkhand High Court is set to hear the petition filed by former Chief Minister Hemant Soren challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on February 5. This comes after the Supreme Court refused to entertain his plea and directed him to approach the concerned High Court with his petition.
Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief, was sent to a five-day custody by the High Court on Friday in connection with an alleged land scam case. The arrest followed multiple summonses issued by the ED and several hours of questioning on Wednesday night.
In response to his arrest, Mr. Soren moved the Supreme Court on Friday, challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s summons dated January 22 and January 25, 2024. However, the apex court declined to entertain the petition, emphasizing that the petitioner should approach the jurisdictional High Court.
“We are not inclined to entertain the present petition,” stated the Supreme Court, leaving it open for Mr. Soren to urge the High Court to expedite the case.
The former Chief Minister contends that the ED’s summons, issued under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, are illegal, null, and void. He seeks to quash the impugned summons and all proceedings stemming from them.
Mr. Soren alleges constant harassment by the ED, accusing the probe agency of misusing its authority and powers under the influence of political forces. The investigation revolves around the alleged forging of official records, with the objective of acquiring significant land parcels through the use of forged or bogus documents, involving ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers.
Meanwhile, amidst the political turmoil in Jharkhand, Champai Soren was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state on Friday at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. The development adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama in the region.
As the legal battle intensifies, all eyes are now on the Jharkhand High Court, which will hear Hemant Soren’s petition on February 5. The former Chief Minister’s fate hangs in the balance as the court deliberates on the alleged land scam case and the Enforcement Directorate’s actions.
Sources By Agencies
