In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) appeal challenging the bail granted to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The apex court, in its ruling on Monday, upheld the Jharkhand High Court’s decision, labeling it as a “well-reasoned order.”
The high court’s bail order, passed on June 28, was contested by the ED, which sought to overturn the decision. The ED argued that the bail was granted improperly and was biased. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the observations made by the high court would not influence the trial judge or any further proceedings in the case.
The ED’s appeal was filed on July 8, following Soren’s release on bail. Soren, who was arrested by the ED on January 31, was accused of misusing his position to acquire 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi. This arrest led to his temporary resignation from the Chief Minister’s post, which was subsequently filled by Champai Soren, a close aide.
Despite the serious allegations of money laundering related to the land scam, Soren’s legal team, led by Kapil Sibal, contended that the alleged actions did not constitute an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sibal argued that even if the allegations were true, they would pertain to civil disputes over property rights rather than criminal activity.
Soren resumed his role as Chief Minister on July 4, following his bail. During his detention, his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), achieved notable electoral success. The JMM won three Lok Sabha seats in the recent elections, a significant increase from its 2019 tally. The Congress, a JMM ally, secured two seats, while the BJP-led NDA won nine out of the state’s 14 Lok Sabha seats, a decrease from their previous 12.
Sources By Agencies
