The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a petition filed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

A bench hearing the case posted the matter in the week commencing from May 6 stating that, in the meantime, it shall be open to the Jharkhand High Court to pronounce the judgment which was reserved on February 28, 2024. Soren has filed the present Special Leave Petition citing the delay by the High Court in pronouncing the verdict on his petition challenging ED arrest.

Advocate for the petitioner had sought urgent listing saying that the delay was resulting in Soren’s incarceration during crucial election time.

Hemant Soren, former chief minister of Jharkhand, is being investigated for money laundering charges in connection with an illegal mining case, as well as an alleged land scam in Ranchi, the state’s capital. The ED is investigating both cases and contends that approximately 8.5 acres of property in question constitutes proceeds of crime. It has charged Soren with unauthorised possession and usage.

ED alleges Soren’s direct involvement in the acquisition, possession, and utilisation of these proceeds, accusing him of colluding with others, including Bhanu Pratap Prasad, in concealing original records to portray the acquired property as untainted.

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