Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Appeals to Supreme Court for Bail in Money Laundering Case

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken his case to the Supreme Court as he seeks bail in a money laundering investigation. Soren’s appeal comes amid the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand and is being represented by senior advocate Kapil Sibal.

Sibal approached a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, stressing the need for an expedited hearing due to the imminent polls. He highlighted the delay in the High Court’s judgment on Soren’s arrest, which was reserved in February.

The Chief Justice informed Sibal that an interim bail plea for Soren was already scheduled for a hearing on May 7. Sibal then requested that Soren’s appeal against the High Court’s decision be considered during the same hearing.

Last week, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in response to Soren’s bail petition. The matter is expected to be addressed promptly given the circumstances.

In a recent ruling, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed Soren’s writ petition challenging his arrest in connection with the alleged money laundering case. The court cited substantial evidence supporting the ED’s actions against Soren.

Prior to his resignation on January 31, Hemant Soren held the position of Chief Minister in Jharkhand. The ED’s decision to arrest him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act led to his subsequent legal battles.

This development underscores the ongoing legal saga surrounding Hemant Soren and the complexities of the money laundering allegations leveled against him.