Summary:

• ED challenges Jharkhand HC’s bail to Hemant Soren in Supreme Court.
• Soren faces money laundering charges in an illegal mining and land scam case.
• HC found no direct evidence against Soren; ED claims HC’s decision is illegal.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Jharkhand High Court’s decision to grant bail to former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

Soren is facing charges related to a money laundering case involving an alleged land scam.

Background of the Case

Hemant Soren, arrested on January 31 this year, is under investigation for money laundering connected to an illegal mining case and a land scam in Ranchi, Jharkhand’s capital.

The ED claims that around 8.5 acres of the property in question are proceeds of crime, alleging Soren’s unauthorized possession and use of the land.

Allegations and ED’s Stance

The ED accuses Soren of directly acquiring, possessing, and utilizing these illegal assets. They assert that Soren colluded with others, including Bhanu Pratap Prasad, to hide the true nature of the property, making it appear legitimate.

Legal Journey

Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Soren sought interim bail from the Supreme Court. However, during the summer break, a vacation bench declined to hear his petition, noting that Soren failed to disclose certain facts about the Special Court’s cognizance of the ED’s complaint. Consequently, Soren withdrew his petition.

Subsequently, Soren turned to the Jharkhand High Court for bail. After examining the case, the High Court ruled in Soren’s favor, stating no direct evidence linked him to the land in question.

The court found ED’s claims ambiguous and noted that Soren met the conditions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

High Court’s Observations

The High Court concluded that the broad probabilities of the case did not directly or indirectly involve Soren in acquiring or concealing the 8.86 acres of land at Shanti Nagar, Baragain, Ranchi.

The court noted that none of the recovered registers or revenue records from Bhanu Pratap Prasad’s premises bore Soren’s or his family members’ names.

ED’s Appeal to Supreme Court

The ED has now approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court’s decision is illegal and that there is prima facie evidence against Soren.

The Supreme Court’s upcoming review will be crucial in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.