The Supreme Court, seated in New Delhi, resolved a petition put forth by erstwhile Jharkhand leader Hemant Soren regarding the tardiness exhibited by the Jharkhand High Court in rendering its judgment on his plea contesting his apprehension by the Enforcement Directorate.
A panel comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta observed the issuance of the high court’s decision on Soren’s appeal on May 3, rejecting his request for release. The panel remarked on Soren’s subsequent contestation of the high court’s judgment before the apex court.
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, advocating for Soren, communicated, “We have served the opposing party (the petition against the high court’s judgment), and it should not prolong.” Sibal continued, “The opposing party will extend the duration. The inaugural phase of the electoral process (in the region slated for May 13) has now concluded,” he added, noting that additional solicitor general S V Raju, representing the ED, participated in the proceedings virtually.
The panel articulated, “The ongoing special leave petition has rendered itself void…”. Sibal maintained that the petition had not become void and asserted his entitlement as a citizen, stating, “Disregard my past role as the chief executive. I possess the right as a citizen to be treated equitably by the high court…,” Sibal asserted. Justice Khanna responded, “Who contests that? We shall address it separately… we shall entertain it (the plea contesting the high court’s judgment).”
“The present special leave petition has rendered itself void and therefore disposed of. We emphasize that all arguments raised by the petitioner can be revisited in the special leave petition, filed to challenge the high court’s decision.”
Soren had lodged a special leave petition highlighting the procrastination by the Jharkhand High Court in pronouncing its judgment on his plea contesting his detention by the ED. Soren was apprehended on January 31, shortly after resigning as the chief executive. State transport minister Champai Soren was appointed his successor.
The investigation against Soren revolves around an 8.86-acre parcel of land in Ranchi, which the ED alleges he acquired unlawfully. The money laundering inquiry emanates from multiple FIRs lodged by the Jharkhand Police in land “scam” cases against various individuals, including state government functionaries.