Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has sought the Supreme Court’s intervention over a delay in the High Court’s verdict on his petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Soren’s counsel, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, mentioned the matter before a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta on Wednesday, pleading for an urgent hearing in light of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Sibal argued that Soren had filed a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows individuals to approach the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of fundamental rights, but was advised to first approach the High Court.
After a hearing on February 27 and 28, the High Court reserved its verdict, but has yet to deliver it. Sibal expressed concern that further delay would defeat the purpose of the petition, as the elections in Jharkhand are scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
The Supreme Court, however, clarified that it cannot assign a hearing date as it is the prerogative of the Chief Justice of India. Justice Khanna advised Sibal to submit an email, which will be reviewed by the Chief Justice for further action.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Soren on January 31 in connection with an alleged land scam. He had resigned as Chief Minister minutes before his arrest, and subsequently moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest, alleging political vendetta.
The Supreme Court had declined to hear his plea initially, directing him to approach the High Court instead. Soren’s petition in the High Court is still pending, with no deadline set for a decision.
The ED has alleged that Soren is the main beneficiary in alleged land-related irregularities in Ranchi, where a network of brokers and businessmen allegedly forged land records to create fake deeds and sell them off. The ED has filed a charge sheet in the case, naming Soren and several others as accused.
Soren has also filed a bail plea before a trial court in Ranchi, which is expected to hear the matter next on May 1.
