The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Jharkhand High Court's decision to grant bail to JMM leader Hemant Soren in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The High Court had granted Soren bail on June 28, just days before he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4.
Background of the case
Hemant Soren, the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), had resigned as Chief Minister shortly before his arrest by the ED on January 31. The ED had accused Soren of misusing his position to unlawfully acquire 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain area of the state capital.
Arguments in high court
During the High Court hearings, the ED's counsel argued that releasing Soren on bail could lead to further offenses, citing other cases involving ED officers in the SC/ST police station. However, the High Court concluded that there was no likelihood of Soren committing a similar offense. The court's single bench order also noted that the conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, were satisfied, indicating a belief that Soren was not guilty of the alleged offense.
Defense arguments
Soren's lawyer contended that he was falsely implicated by the central agency. The ED, on the other hand, alleged that Soren had directed his media consultant, Abhishek Prasad, to manipulate official records to change the ownership details of the disputed plot. The original owner, Raj Kumar Pahan, had attempted to lodge a complaint, but it was reportedly ignored.
Ongoing legal battle
Soren had been summoned multiple times by the ED before being questioned at his residence and subsequently arrested on January 31. The Supreme Court will now review the High Court's decision to grant bail, as the ED continues to push for further legal action against the Jharkhand Chief Minister.
Also read | Full list of ministers with portfolios in Hemant Soren's Cabinet | CHECK
