sc-postpones-hemant-soren-s-interim-bail-plea-hearing

The Supreme Court postponed the hearing on former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's interim bail plea for election campaigning until May 21. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta set the next hearing date for May 21.

 

During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) requested time to respond to the petition. The court directed the ED to submit a reply by the next hearing date. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, highlighted that Soren's arrest predates the elections.

 

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, emphasised the need for interim bail. He informed the court about the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, indicating the urgency of the matter. Sibal also stressed that there is insufficient evidence against Soren in the case.

 

The Supreme Court stated that it would refrain from issuing any orders unless it is convinced based on prima facie evidence.

 

Soren approached the apex court challenging the Jharkhand High Court's decision, which dismissed his plea contesting his arrest in a money laundering case. The Jharkhand High Court rejected Soren's plea on May 3, asserting that his arrest was justified.

 

In his plea before the High Court, Soren argued that his arrest was unjustified and his detention was arbitrary and illegal. Through advocate Pragya Baghel, Soren sought interim bail while challenging the legality of his arrest.

 

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January in connection with a land scam case, following a period of media speculation.

 

The investigation revolves around the alleged fraudulent acquisition of land through the use of forged documents, involving substantial sums of money.