Supreme Court Declines to Entertain Hemant Soren ‘s Plea Against ED Arrest, Directs Him to Approach High Court

The Supreme Court has dismissed the plea filed by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Hemant Soren challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering allegations. The bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, advised Soren to approach the high court first and declined to set a deadline for the high court to hear and decide his petition seeking a declaration that his arrest be deemed unconstitutional. The court emphasized that all courts, including the high court, are open to everyone, and it is equally competent to grant the relief Soren is seeking.

hemant soren ‘s legal team, represented by Senior Counsels Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the facts of the case required the Supreme Court’s intervention, citing the arrest of a chief minister. However, the bench stated that Soren should first move the high court, as per a previous order, and address the issues specific to his arrest. The court noted that Soren had initially challenged ED’s summons but was now challenging his arrest.

The ED has accused Soren of being the key beneficiary in alleged land-related irregularities in Ranchi, involving fake deeds and forgery. Soren’s plea sought protection from arrest, claiming that ED’s actions were illegal and politically motivated. The Supreme Court directed Soren to move the high court under Article 226, and it will be open to him to seek expeditious listing and disposal of the case.

The dramatic developments unfolded after Soren’s resignation as Chief Minister, followed by his arrest by the ED. The JMM leader alleged that ED’s actions were an abuse of power and aimed at destabilizing the democratically elected government in Jharkhand. The court’s decision not to entertain Soren’s petition directly and its directive to approach the high court adds to the ongoing legal and political challenges surrounding the case.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Soren’s legal team argued that the apex court has concurrent jurisdiction, and there was no legal necessity for him to move the high court first. However, the bench maintained its stance, urging Soren to pursue his case in the high court before considering further legal options.