Jharkhand High Court Dismisses Former CM Hemant Soren’s Writ Petition Against ED Arrest

In a significant development, the High Court of Jharkhand has dismissed the writ petition filed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court’s decision also denied bail to Soren, who has been in judicial custody since his arrest.

The petition, which sought to challenge the legality of Soren’s arrest by the ED, was dismissed by the Court on Friday. Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay, presiding over the case, upheld the validity of Soren’s arrest in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam.

Despite the dismissal of the petition, the Court granted Soren permission to attend the last rites of his uncle on May 6, albeit under police custody. This concession allows Soren a temporary reprieve from his confinement in the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi.

Soren’s arrest by the ED on January 31 sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Jharkhand. The investigation pertains to allegations of money laundering linked to the aforementioned land scam. Following his arrest, Soren was remanded to judicial custody and has been lodged in the Birsa Munda Central Jail since February 15, after the conclusion of his custody with the ED.

The court’s decision to deny bail to Soren underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him and reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Despite the temporary relief granted for attending his uncle’s last rites, Soren remains subject to the legal proceedings initiated against him by the ED.

As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the judicial proceedings and the outcome of the investigation into the alleged money laundering activities. The dismissal of Soren’s writ petition marks a significant development in the legal battle surrounding the former Chief Minister, highlighting the complexities of political and financial controversies in the state.