Hemant Soren faces setback as Jharkhand HC refuses to cancel MP/MLA court order

The Jharkhand High Court delivered a significant setback to Chief Minister Hemant Soren by rejecting his petition to quash MP/MLA Case No. 2/2024. The case involves an investigation into a land scam, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) accusing Soren of ignoring multiple summons.

Earlier, the lower court had taken cognizance of the ED’s complaint and initiated proceedings under MP/MLA Case 2/2024. Soren had approached the High Court seeking to cancel these proceedings, but Justice Anil Kumar Chaudhary dismissed the petition after hearing arguments from both sides.

The Chief Minister had previously been exempted from personally appearing in the lower court. Despite this, the Special MP/MLA court had earlier directed him to appear on December 4, following the rejection of his exemption plea. The ED’s complaint cited Soren’s failure to respond to eight summons as part of the ongoing money laundering investigation.

With the High Court rejecting his petition, Soren now has two options: comply with the MP/MLA court order and appear in person or challenge the HC’s decision in the Supreme Court. His next move in the matter is expected to draw attention in political and legal circles.