In New Delhi, the Apex Court summoned a reply from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a petition filed by former Jharkhand leader Hemant Soren requesting provisional release in a financial misconduct case.
A panel comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta dispatched a notice to the ED, soliciting their response by May 6. Senior counsel Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, presented before the panel that his client desires temporary release and the charges pertain to sections 467, 471, and 420, stating “I am nowhere involved.” Justice Khanna clarified it’s not about implication “but if illicit gains are evident…”. Sibal contested the accusations. Justice Khanna remarked, “in the complaint, there is a parcel of 8.5 acres, they wish to aggregate it…”.
In a jovial tone, Sibal requested an expedited hearing in the case, noting the workload on the court. Justice Khanna grinned and remarked it’s not a matter of pressure. Sibal mentioned the workload borne by judges. Justice Khanna, smiling, concurred. The panel slated the case for hearing in the week beginning May 6, 2024, meanwhile indicating the high court might deliver its verdict, pending since February 28, 2024. Soren had moved the high court contesting his apprehension, with the judgment reserved on February 28.
Soren lodged a special plea citing the delay in the Jharkhand High Court’s ruling on his petition contesting his arrest by the ED. Soren was apprehended on January 31 shortly after relinquishing the chief ministerial position. The state’s transport minister, Champai Soren, was appointed as his successor.
The investigation against Soren pertains to an 8.86-acre tract of land in Ranchi, which the ED alleges was illicitly acquired by him. The money laundering inquiry stems from various FIRs registered by Jharkhand Police in land “scam” cases implicating numerous individuals, including state officials.