On Monday, the Supreme Court granted significant relief to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren by deciding not to intervene in the bail decision made by the Jharkhand High Court
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had challenged the bail granted to Soren by the HC, but the apex court dismissed this petition.
The Supreme Court noted that the High Court’s decision was well-reasoned and chose not to alter it. Additionally, the court emphasized that the High Court’s comments would not affect the ongoing trial in any way.
During the hearing, the bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan praised the High Court’s June 28 order, stating it was “very well reasoned.” The bench declared, “We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order.”
The ED had opposed Soren’s bail plea in the High Court, accusing him of abusing his position as chief minister to “illegally” acquire 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain area of Ranchi, the state capital.
According to the ED, Soren’s media consultant, Abhishek Prasad, admitted during the investigation that the JMM leader instructed him to alter official records to change the ownership details of the land in question.
Soren’s lawyer argued that he was wrongfully accused in this criminal case by the central agency.
Soren resigned as Chief Minister shortly before his arrest by the ED on January 31. Prior to his arrest, he was summoned multiple times and questioned at his residence.
After being released on bail, Soren returned to his role as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister on July 4. His return is expected to strengthen the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which secured three seats in the tribal-dominated state during the Lok Sabha elections.
(With inputs from agency)
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