The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on May 6 for the petition filed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren. Soren has challenged his arrest in a high-profile money laundering case in the High Court, which, after 55 days, has yet to deliver a verdict. Consequently, the former Chief Minister approached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file an affidavit in response to Soren’s plea and set the next hearing date for May 6. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court may still pronounce its decision during this period, having reserved its verdict following the hearing on Soren’s plea.
Soren contends that his January 31, 2024, arrest by the ED after extensive questioning was unwarranted. He asserts that the alleged land scam, which led to his arrest, has no connection to him. Soren is currently held at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi.
As the legal battle unfolds, Soren seeks interim relief from the Supreme Court, emphasizing the procedural delays and asserting his innocence in the accusations leveled against him. The Jharkhand High Court’s upcoming decision and the subsequent Supreme Court hearing are poised to be critical in determining the political and personal future of the former Chief Minister.
