The political and legal tussle involving Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren intensified as the state's High Court stepped in on Thursday. The court formally issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), directing the central agency to file its response to a petition filed by the Chief Minister. Soren has challenged the summonses issued to him by a special MP-MLA court in Ranchi.
Court Directs Adjournment and Sets Future Dates
The bench, after hearing the arguments, has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for December 18. In an interim order, the High Court has directed the special MP-MLA court to adjourn the proceedings scheduled for December 12. The court also officially recorded an undertaking given by Hemant Soren's legal counsel, stating that the Chief Minister would appear before the MP-MLA court on December 6 as required.
This development follows a related order from the High Court just a day earlier, on December 3. In that separate hearing, the court had already exempted the Chief Minister from personal appearance before the MP-MLA court, providing temporary relief.
The Root of the Legal Conflict
The entire case stems from the Chief Minister's repeated non-appearance before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning. The ED is investigating an alleged land scam in Ranchi, and the agency claims Soren's examination is crucial for the probe. Devraj Jha, an ED assistant director posted in Ranchi, filed the official complaint with the court.
According to the complaint, the agency had issued a total of 10 summonses to Hemant Soren, asking him to appear before its officials for questioning related to the land scam allegations. The ED states that the Chief Minister only responded to two of these summonses, while ignoring the remaining eight. The agency argued that the investigation could not progress effectively without Soren's presence and cooperation, leading them to file a complaint before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Ranchi. This case was subsequently transferred to the special court designated for MPs and MLAs, where it is currently pending.
What Happens Next?
The ball is now in the Enforcement Directorate's court. The agency must prepare and submit its formal response to the High Court, justifying the issuance of the summonses and its legal stance. The outcome of the High Court's proceedings on December 18 will be pivotal. It will determine whether the MP-MLA court can continue its proceedings against the Chief Minister or if the legal challenge by Soren holds ground.
This case has placed the Jharkhand Chief Minister at the epicenter of a significant legal battle with a central investigative agency. The developments are being closely watched, as they have substantial implications for the political landscape in Jharkhand and the ongoing investigation into the Ranchi land scam.
