Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren received a major boost from India’s top court today. The Supreme Court halted lower court proceedings in the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering investigation targeting him. A bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud—no, Chief Justice Suryakant alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi—issued notices to ED while staying action on summons.
The case originated from ED raids uncovering land documents linked to Soren’s 8.86-acre property seized from an associate. This led to PMLA charges and IPC summons for non-appearance. Soren challenged this in Jharkhand High Court, which dismissed his plea, leading to the Supreme Court appeal.
In court, CJI Suryakant quipped humorously, referencing newspaper reports on ED’s vast case load: ‘Focus on those big cases and channel your energy there for positive results.’ This came amid arguments where Soren’s counsel Mukul Rohatgi highlighted three prior appearances resulting in arrests, countering ED’s claim of seven ignored summons.
Previously, Ranchi’s Chief Judicial Magistrate issued summons based on evidence from complaints. Soren’s prior arrest on ED summons had ignited statewide protests and accusations of central interference in state affairs. Today’s interim order provides Soren respite, allowing him to continue as CM without immediate legal threats.
The ruling highlights ongoing debates on ED’s summons powers under PMLA, especially against elected leaders. Critics argue it shields politicians, while supporters see it as protecting against misuse. As ED responds to the notice, the full hearing could delve deeper into land deal allegations at the heart of the probe. For now, Soren’s political foes watch warily as judicial scales tip in his favor.