Kalpana Soren was thrust into the limelight after ED arrested the erstwhile Jharkhand CM in an alleged land scam case. Whispers of a CM-seat takeover by Soren family are doing rounds after Kalpana Soren filled nominations for assembly by-polls. Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren has filled her nomination as the JMM candidate from Gandey in Jharkhand’s Giridih. In an exclusive interview with The Economic Times, Kalpana Soren talks about Hemant Soren’s arrest, Jharkhand, and her entry into electoral politics. Watch!
Tag: Jharkhand CM
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Champai Soren Takes Oath As New Jharkhand CM, Alamgir Alam, Bhokta Sworn In As Ministers
Champai Soren became the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
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Champai Soren To Take Oath As Jharkhand CM Today, Floor Test In 10 Days |
New Delhi: In significant development amid the political turmoil in Jharkhand, Champai Soren, a prominent figure in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party, is scheduled to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand today.
On Thursday, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan extended an invitation to Champai Soren to Raj Bhavan to establish the government in the state. Champai Soren, a supporter of JMM leader Hemant Soren, has been entrusted with the responsibility to prove his majority in a floor test, scheduled to take place within the next 10 days.
On Thursday, Champai Soren, along with 43 legislators, met Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, staking a claim to form the government in the state.
Amidst escalating political tension in the state on Thursday evening, Congress leaders seized the opportunity to condemn the BJP, accusing it of “crushing the mandate in every state.”
“Immediately after the resignation of the coalition government in Bihar, the Governor had sent an invitation to form a new government. But the invitation to form a government was not sent even a day after staking claim in Jharkhand,” Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said in a post on X.
“First, the Chief Minister was forced to resign by imposing ED. He was arrested. Now there are reports that efforts are being made to buy the MLAs by stopping the formation of the new government. First Bihar, then Chandigarh and now Jharkhand – BJP is crushing the mandate in every state by influencing through money,” she added.
Congress leader, Mallikarjun Kharge expressed disapproval of the Jharkhand Governor’s delay in extending an invitation to Champai Soren, the leader of the JMM legislature party, to establish the government in the state.
“In the House of 81 MLAs, only 41 are majority. Despite having the support of 48 MLAs, not inviting Champai Soren ji to form the government is clearly a disrespect to the Constitution and denial of public opinion,” Kharge said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, JMM leader and former chief minister Hemant Soren was sent to one-day judicial custody by a special PMLA court in Ranchi in connection with an alleged land scam case.
Soren was arrested on Wednesday night by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) after six hours of questioning in the money laundering case linked to the alleged land scam.
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Jharkhand political unrest: Champai Soren to take oath as CM today, floor test in 10 days – The Economic Times Video
In a significant turn of events, amidst the political unrest in Jharkhand, Champai Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party, is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand today. On Thursday, Jharkahnd Governor CP Radhakrishnan invited Champai Soren to Raj Bhavan to form the government in the state. Champai Soren, a loyalist of JMM leader Hemant Soren has been mandated to demonstrate his majority in a floor test, which will be held within the next 10 days.
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Jharkhand PMLA case: CM Soren’s representative ‘forcefully’ shifted to CIP de-addiction centre
Express News Service
RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s representative, Pankaj Mishra, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering and illegal mining case, was forcefully admitted to the de-addiction centre of the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) in Ranchi on Monday by police.
Mishra, who was being treated at the paying ward of RIMS for the last two months, was not ready to leave RIMS despite being discharged by the doctors on November 30.
According to CIP doctors, as of now, Mishra will be admitted to the emergency ward. Only after preliminary examination, it will be decided whether he will be sent to the de-addiction ward or not, he said.
Notably, Mishra is addicted to Fortwin, used as a pain reliever and mild anaesthesia, for a long period of time. He, himself revealed before the doctors about his addiction, immediately after being admitted to RIMS. A medical board recommended his treatment at the drug de-addiction centre.
Mishra was arrested on July 19 for laundering money earned by illegal mining after the central agency unearthed Rs 11.88 crore in 37 bank accounts.
Mishra was brought to RIMS following a complaint of abdominal pain on July 29. Since then he was there.
ALSO READ | Mining row: ED rejects Jharkhand CM’s request to advance summons
Earlier, ED had detained two people from the RIMS premises who allegedly were providing mobile phones to Rs 1000 crore illegal mining accused Pankaj Mishra. The ED observed that despite being in judicial custody as an accused, Mishra was enjoying all the facilities and had access to a phone and made more than 300 calls and was managing everything from the hospital.
According to ED, Pankaj Mishra enjoys ‘political clout’ as he is the political representative of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and ‘controls’ illegal mining business in Soren’s Assembly constituency through his accomplices.
Pankaj Mishra was reportedly caught when he was talking to someone over the phone belonging to his associate. Meanwhile, Birsa Munda Central Jail Superintendent Hamid Akhtar was also questioned by ED officials on Monday for not shifting CM Pankaj Mishra, to jail even after being discharged by the doctors.
RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s representative, Pankaj Mishra, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering and illegal mining case, was forcefully admitted to the de-addiction centre of the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) in Ranchi on Monday by police.
Mishra, who was being treated at the paying ward of RIMS for the last two months, was not ready to leave RIMS despite being discharged by the doctors on November 30.
According to CIP doctors, as of now, Mishra will be admitted to the emergency ward. Only after preliminary examination, it will be decided whether he will be sent to the de-addiction ward or not, he said.
Notably, Mishra is addicted to Fortwin, used as a pain reliever and mild anaesthesia, for a long period of time. He, himself revealed before the doctors about his addiction, immediately after being admitted to RIMS. A medical board recommended his treatment at the drug de-addiction centre.
Mishra was arrested on July 19 for laundering money earned by illegal mining after the central agency unearthed Rs 11.88 crore in 37 bank accounts.
Mishra was brought to RIMS following a complaint of abdominal pain on July 29. Since then he was there.
ALSO READ | Mining row: ED rejects Jharkhand CM’s request to advance summons
Earlier, ED had detained two people from the RIMS premises who allegedly were providing mobile phones to Rs 1000 crore illegal mining accused Pankaj Mishra. The ED observed that despite being in judicial custody as an accused, Mishra was enjoying all the facilities and had access to a phone and made more than 300 calls and was managing everything from the hospital.
According to ED, Pankaj Mishra enjoys ‘political clout’ as he is the political representative of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and ‘controls’ illegal mining business in Soren’s Assembly constituency through his accomplices.
Pankaj Mishra was reportedly caught when he was talking to someone over the phone belonging to his associate. Meanwhile, Birsa Munda Central Jail Superintendent Hamid Akhtar was also questioned by ED officials on Monday for not shifting CM Pankaj Mishra, to jail even after being discharged by the doctors.
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Jharkhand governor has not sought second opinion on disqualification issue: EC to CM Soren
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday told Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren that state governor Ramesh Bais has not sought a second opinion from it on the issue of his disqualification, sources said.
The commission has sent a letter to Soren noting that it has not received any such communication from the governor, they said.
Chief Minister Soren had said in Ranchi on Sunday that he has through his counsel sought a copy from the Election Commission (EC) of Governor Bais’ request for a second opinion in a case related to his disqualification as MLA for allegedly leasing a mine to himself in violation of election law provisions.
Soren’s comment had come in the wake of the governor saying on October 27 that he has sought a “second opinion” in the case and claimed that an “atom bomb could explode any time in Jharkhand”, apparently indicating to his pending decision in the matter.
“I have sought a copy from the EC of Governor Ramesh Bais’ request for a second opinion in the office-of-profit case through my counsel,” the chief minister had told PTI on Sunday.
READ HERE | Illegal mining row: Relief to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren as SC sets aside HC order
“The counsel has placed on my behalf that the EC will provide an opportunity for a fair and effective hearing before giving any opinion pursuant to the second request made by the governor,” the MLA from Barhait said.
Following a petition by the BJP seeking Soren’s disqualification from the assembly in the case, the EC had sent its opinion to the governor on August 25, triggering a political crisis in the state.
Though the EC’s decision has not yet been made official, there is a buzz that the poll panel has recommended the chief minister’s disqualification as an MLA in connection with a mining lease.
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday told Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren that state governor Ramesh Bais has not sought a second opinion from it on the issue of his disqualification, sources said.
The commission has sent a letter to Soren noting that it has not received any such communication from the governor, they said.
Chief Minister Soren had said in Ranchi on Sunday that he has through his counsel sought a copy from the Election Commission (EC) of Governor Bais’ request for a second opinion in a case related to his disqualification as MLA for allegedly leasing a mine to himself in violation of election law provisions.
Soren’s comment had come in the wake of the governor saying on October 27 that he has sought a “second opinion” in the case and claimed that an “atom bomb could explode any time in Jharkhand”, apparently indicating to his pending decision in the matter.
“I have sought a copy from the EC of Governor Ramesh Bais’ request for a second opinion in the office-of-profit case through my counsel,” the chief minister had told PTI on Sunday.
READ HERE | Illegal mining row: Relief to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren as SC sets aside HC order
“The counsel has placed on my behalf that the EC will provide an opportunity for a fair and effective hearing before giving any opinion pursuant to the second request made by the governor,” the MLA from Barhait said.
Following a petition by the BJP seeking Soren’s disqualification from the assembly in the case, the EC had sent its opinion to the governor on August 25, triggering a political crisis in the state.
Though the EC’s decision has not yet been made official, there is a buzz that the poll panel has recommended the chief minister’s disqualification as an MLA in connection with a mining lease.
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‘Why send summons, arrest me…’: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren dares ED, Centre; skips summons
Express News Service
RANCHI: A day after he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asking him to appear before it for questioning, Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressing a gathering of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) at his residence in Ranchi, dared the central agency to arrest him if he had really committed any crime.
Soren also claimed that this government will complete its term and that nobody can remove it from power. “Today, I have been invited as a chief guest to attend the tribal dance festival in Chhattisgarh and ED has summoned me to answer their questions. If I have really done any crime, then come and arrest me if you can. Why issue notices to me, if I have done any crime….. Why making an inquiry, come and arrest me directly,” remarked Soren.
Attacking the BJP, Soren claimed the ED’s summons to him was a part of a conspiracy hatched by the saffron party to destabilise his democratically elected government. He urged them to be ready to oppose any injustice meted out to tribals, Dalits and backward people by “feudal forces”.
“We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state’s Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces… BJP will be wiped out in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls,” Soren said.
Soren further added that when the Adivasi and Moolwasi people have started making progress, they were being crushed with the help of central agencies or the courts.
He said that he wasn’t worried as he enjoyed the blessings of the people. “You must be clear that I am not worried at all as such incidents make me stronger… whenever such circumstances arise before us, the JMM moves forward with double strength… as we get more strength to fight back,” Soren said.
ALSO READ | Sparks fly as Jharkhand Governor seeks ‘2nd opinion’ on Soren
Urging his workers to be ready for a political fight, Soren said they need to go back to villages and expose the “conspiracy of the BJP”.
“We have not done anything yet. ‘Jab Jharkhandi apni cheezo pe utar aayega, toh wo din door nahi jahaan aap logon ko yahaan sar chhupaane ka mauka bhi nahi milega,” he said.
Soren also warned the tribals living in Gujarat to get cautious and take a pledge that not a single seat would go to the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Soren was summoned by ED on Thursday at its regional office here at 11 am for investigation over contravention of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged illegal mining case in the Sahebganj district.
The CM faces disqualification from the state assembly in the case.
Security arrangements have been beefed up at various places in the Jharkhand capital Ranchi including the offices of the BJP and the ED.
The ruling coalition also comprising the Congress and the RJD held a meeting at the CM’s residence on Wednesday evening after the ED summoned Soren.
It was announced that the UPA will launch a state-wide protest against the “attempts to destabilise a democratically elected government”.
RANCHI: A day after he was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) asking him to appear before it for questioning, Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressing a gathering of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) at his residence in Ranchi, dared the central agency to arrest him if he had really committed any crime.
Soren also claimed that this government will complete its term and that nobody can remove it from power. “Today, I have been invited as a chief guest to attend the tribal dance festival in Chhattisgarh and ED has summoned me to answer their questions. If I have really done any crime, then come and arrest me if you can. Why issue notices to me, if I have done any crime….. Why making an inquiry, come and arrest me directly,” remarked Soren.
Attacking the BJP, Soren claimed the ED’s summons to him was a part of a conspiracy hatched by the saffron party to destabilise his democratically elected government. He urged them to be ready to oppose any injustice meted out to tribals, Dalits and backward people by “feudal forces”.
“We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state’s Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces… BJP will be wiped out in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls,” Soren said.
Soren further added that when the Adivasi and Moolwasi people have started making progress, they were being crushed with the help of central agencies or the courts.
He said that he wasn’t worried as he enjoyed the blessings of the people. “You must be clear that I am not worried at all as such incidents make me stronger… whenever such circumstances arise before us, the JMM moves forward with double strength… as we get more strength to fight back,” Soren said.
ALSO READ | Sparks fly as Jharkhand Governor seeks ‘2nd opinion’ on Soren
Urging his workers to be ready for a political fight, Soren said they need to go back to villages and expose the “conspiracy of the BJP”.
“We have not done anything yet. ‘Jab Jharkhandi apni cheezo pe utar aayega, toh wo din door nahi jahaan aap logon ko yahaan sar chhupaane ka mauka bhi nahi milega,” he said.
Soren also warned the tribals living in Gujarat to get cautious and take a pledge that not a single seat would go to the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Soren was summoned by ED on Thursday at its regional office here at 11 am for investigation over contravention of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged illegal mining case in the Sahebganj district.
The CM faces disqualification from the state assembly in the case.
Security arrangements have been beefed up at various places in the Jharkhand capital Ranchi including the offices of the BJP and the ED.
The ruling coalition also comprising the Congress and the RJD held a meeting at the CM’s residence on Wednesday evening after the ED summoned Soren.
It was announced that the UPA will launch a state-wide protest against the “attempts to destabilise a democratically elected government”.
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Jharkhand CM’s aide controls illegal mining in assembly constituency, claims ED
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Pankaj Mishra, arrested by the ED in a money laundering case, enjoys “political clout” as he is the political representative of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and “controls” illegal mining business in Soren’s assembly constituency through his accomplices, the central agency claimed on Wednesday.
This was stated in a statement by the Enforcement Directorate, which filed a charge sheet against Mishra and his two aides and local musclemen – Bachhu Yadav and Prem Prakash – on September 16 before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in the state capital, Ranchi.
The statement said the court took cognisance of the charge sheet or prosecution complaint on September 20.
Soren is an MLA from Barhait assembly seat in Sahibganj district.
“PMLA Investigation revealed that Pankaj Mishra, who enjoys political clout, being the representative of the Chief Minister, MLA from Barhait, Sahibganj, Jharkhand controls the illegal mining businesses as well as inland ferry services in Sahibganj and its adjoining areas through his accomplices,” the ED alleged.
“He exercises considerable control over the mining of stone chips and boulders as well as installation and operations of several crushers, set up across various mining sites in Sahibganj,” the statement claimed.
It said proceeds of crime amounting to about Rs 42 crore, “acquired” by the accused Pankaj Mishra have been identified.
Pankaj Mishra, Bachhu Yadav and Prem Prakash were arrested by the ED earlier and they are in judicial custody at present.
The agency said it has “identified” proceeds of crimes, relating to illegal mining in the state, to the tune of more than Rs 1,000 crore till now.
It said 47 search operations have been conducted in this case where Rs 5.34 crore in cash has been seized, bank balances worth Rs 13.32 crore have been frozen, an inland water vessel worth Rs 30 crore has been seized apart from five stone crushers, two trucks and two AK 47 assault rifles (these weapons were later claimed by Jharkhand police as its own).
The ED probe began after the agency raided Mishra and his alleged associates on July 8, covering 19 locations in Sahibganj, Barhait, Rajmahal, Mirza Chauki and Barharwa in Jharkhand in the case linked to alleged instances of illegal mining and extortion.
The searches were launched after the ED filed a case under the PMLA against Mishra and others in March, alleging that the former “illegally grabbed or amassed huge assets in his favour”.
It took cognisance of a state police FIR filed against Mishra at Barharwa police station in Sahibganj district and some other police complaints filed in illegal mining trade instances under various sections of the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, etc.
NEW DELHI: Pankaj Mishra, arrested by the ED in a money laundering case, enjoys “political clout” as he is the political representative of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and “controls” illegal mining business in Soren’s assembly constituency through his accomplices, the central agency claimed on Wednesday.
This was stated in a statement by the Enforcement Directorate, which filed a charge sheet against Mishra and his two aides and local musclemen – Bachhu Yadav and Prem Prakash – on September 16 before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in the state capital, Ranchi.
The statement said the court took cognisance of the charge sheet or prosecution complaint on September 20.
Soren is an MLA from Barhait assembly seat in Sahibganj district.
“PMLA Investigation revealed that Pankaj Mishra, who enjoys political clout, being the representative of the Chief Minister, MLA from Barhait, Sahibganj, Jharkhand controls the illegal mining businesses as well as inland ferry services in Sahibganj and its adjoining areas through his accomplices,” the ED alleged.
“He exercises considerable control over the mining of stone chips and boulders as well as installation and operations of several crushers, set up across various mining sites in Sahibganj,” the statement claimed.
It said proceeds of crime amounting to about Rs 42 crore, “acquired” by the accused Pankaj Mishra have been identified.
Pankaj Mishra, Bachhu Yadav and Prem Prakash were arrested by the ED earlier and they are in judicial custody at present.
The agency said it has “identified” proceeds of crimes, relating to illegal mining in the state, to the tune of more than Rs 1,000 crore till now.
It said 47 search operations have been conducted in this case where Rs 5.34 crore in cash has been seized, bank balances worth Rs 13.32 crore have been frozen, an inland water vessel worth Rs 30 crore has been seized apart from five stone crushers, two trucks and two AK 47 assault rifles (these weapons were later claimed by Jharkhand police as its own).
The ED probe began after the agency raided Mishra and his alleged associates on July 8, covering 19 locations in Sahibganj, Barhait, Rajmahal, Mirza Chauki and Barharwa in Jharkhand in the case linked to alleged instances of illegal mining and extortion.
The searches were launched after the ED filed a case under the PMLA against Mishra and others in March, alleging that the former “illegally grabbed or amassed huge assets in his favour”.
It took cognisance of a state police FIR filed against Mishra at Barharwa police station in Sahibganj district and some other police complaints filed in illegal mining trade instances under various sections of the Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, etc.
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EC commences hearing of mining lease case against Soren, BJP seeks Jharkhand CM’s disqualification
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The legal counsel for the BJP on Tuesday sought before the Election Commission disqualification of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren as an MLA over a mining lease case, asserting he violated a provision of the election law by extending himself a favour with regard to a government contract while in office.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das of the BJP has accused Soren of “misusing his post” to get “in-principle approval” for a stone quarrying lease in his name in Ranchi district despite holding the mining portfolio, an apparent instance of corruption and conflict of interest.
The Election Commission of India had in May sent a notice to Soren seeking his comments on the issue.
It has been alleged that owning the lease violated Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with “Disqualification for Government contracts, etc.”
Soren’s legal team, however, maintained that Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act does not apply to the case and cited a Supreme Court ruling.
Initiating the arguments before the Election Commission, which works as a quasi-judicial body in such cases, the BJP — the petitioner — contended Soren deserved to be disqualified because he as the chief minister gave himself a lease under his signature.
Briefing reporters about the arguments put forth by the BJP, one of its counsel Kumar Harsh said it is a case for disqualification and involves corruption.
Following a reference from the Jharkhand governor, the EC had in May issued a notice to Soren under Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act which deals with the disqualification of a lawmaker for government contracts.
“A person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, there subsists a contract entered into by him in the course of his trade or business with the appropriate government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any works undertaken by, that government,” the section states.
According to Kumar Harsh, Soren’s side sought more time to conclude the arguments.
“Expressing displeasure, the Commission asked them to begin arguments. They argued their stand for barely two minutes and again sought time,” he said.
His claim was, however, rejected by S K Mendiratta, one of the legal representatives of Soren.
Mendiratta has served with the Election Commission for more than 50 years.
“We did not seek time. We said they took two hours, so we would also like to take two or two-and-a-half hours. They (EC) said we will hear your side on the next date,” Mendiratta told reporters.
He said the respondent (Soren) is of the view that it is a decision of the Supreme Court that in such cases Section 9A is not applicable.
“EC will have to decide … They said it is a case for disqualification. But we said 9A does not apply,” he asserted.
The poll panel would later communicate the next date of hearing in the case.
Soren was earlier granted two extensions by the EC to commence hearing.
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Office of profit: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren unlikely to be disqualified as MLA, say legal experts
By PTI
RANCHI: As a war of words between Jharkhand’s ruling JMM and opposition BJP continues over Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s alleged office of profit case, legal experts claimed that in the light of earlier Supreme Court verdicts, it is unlikely that he will be disqualified as an MLA.
The chief minister, who was accused of violating a provision of the Representation of the People Act, is currently not in Jharkhand and speculations are rife that he is consulting lawyers.
Governor Ramesh Bais also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi earlier this week but what transpired in those meetings is not known.
Following the BJP’s allegation that Soren, while heading the mining department, allotted a stone chips mining lease to himself in 2021 flouting office of profit norms, Bais sent the party’s representation to the Election Commission under Article 192 of the Constitution.
The Article authorises the governor to decide on disqualifying an elected member of the state Assembly on the poll panel’s opinion.
While the EC has sought from the government documents related to the mining lease allocation, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) threw its weight behind the CM saying no rule was broken as the allocation was cancelled.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Ashok Ganguly told PTI that it is unlikely that the CM will be disqualified under Section 9A of the Representation of Peoples’ Act, 1951 in view of three judgments of the apex court.
Under that section, a contract has to be made for the supply of goods or the execution of any work undertaken by the government.
A constitution bench of the Supreme Court in 1964 in the case of CVK Rao vs Dentu Bhaskara Rao has held that a mining lease does not amount to a contract of supply of goods,” he said.
In 2001, a three-judge bench of the apex court in the case of Kartar Singh Bhadana vs Hari Singh Nalwa & others also made it clear that a mining lease does not amount to execution of a work undertaken by the government, Justice (retd) Ganguly said.
“Kartar Singh’s case has been relied upon in a subsequent Supreme Court judgment also, he said.
Even if the CM is disqualified by any authority, he can challenge it in the high court and in that case, as per a Supreme Court order, the adjudication has to be completed within four months, the former judge said.
Under Article 164 (4), one person can be a minister for six months without being a member, he said.
Senior Supreme Court advocate Ajit Sinha said it has to be proved that the chief minister held an office of profit.
The governor’s report is being examined by the Election Commission under the office of profit norms. If the decision goes against him (CM), he has a right to challenge it,” Saha told PTI.
BJP national vice-president and former chief minister Raghubar Das had on Monday demanded the resignation of Soren, his successor, accusing him of misusing power.
Das had made the office of profit allegation against the CM in February.
The BJP called on the governor earlier this month and Bais sent its representation to the EC.
A JMM delegation also met Bais, submitted a memorandum on the saffron party’s misdeeds and urged him to send it too to the EC.
Senior JMM legislator Sudivya Kumar, who was a member of the delegation, said the CM in his election affidavit in 2014 and 2019 had mentioned the lease.
He did not conceal anything. The lease has been surrendered too,” Kumar said.
A PIL is pending in the High Court of Jharkhand in the office of profit issue against Soren.
If legislators hold an office of profit’ under the government, they might be susceptible to government influence, and may not discharge their constitutional mandate fairly.
The rules were framed so that there is no conflict between the duties and interests of an elected member.