Court rejects Hemant Soren's plea to attend Jharkhand assembly budget session

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced a setback as the court dismissed his petition seeking permission to participate in the ongoing budget session of the Jharkhand Assembly. Soren, who is currently in judicial custody over a money laundering case, had appealed to be released temporarily for the session, a request that was denied by the court, citing concerns raised by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding potential evidence tampering if Soren were to be released.

The decision comes amidst preparations for the budget session scheduled from February 23 to March 2, where opposition parties aim to hold the government accountable. The ED's opposition to Soren's plea was pivotal in the court's ruling, emphasizing the need to prevent any interference with ongoing investigations. Despite arguments made by Soren's legal counsel, including the necessity of his presence for the passage of money bills during the session, the court upheld the ED's concerns, thereby reinforcing Soren's confinement during the session. Soren's arrest in late January over money laundering charges had stirred political turmoil in the state, albeit the coalition government of JMM and Congress managed to retain power.