New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the Jharkhand High Courts decision to grant bail to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The high court had issued the bail order on June 28, just days before Soren assumed office as Chief Minister on July 4.ED deems High Court bail IllegalAccording to India Today, the EDs plea to the Supreme Court argues that the high courts decision to grant bail to Soren was illegal. The agency further contends that the high court erred in its judgment by ruling that there was no prima facie case against Chief Minister Soren.Background of the caseHemant Soren, who serves as the executive president of JMM, had resigned as Chief Minister shortly before his arrest by the ED on January 31 in connection with the money laundering case. PTI reported that the central agency had strongly opposed Sorens bail plea, expressing concerns that his release could lead to similar offences.High Courts rationale for bailHowever, the high court dismissed these apprehensions. PTI quoted the court stating, Though the conduct of the petitioner has been sought to be highlighted by the Enforcement Directorate...on an overall conspectus of the case, there is no likelihood of the petitioner committing a similar nature of offence. The court also cited provisions under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, indicating reasons to believe that Soren was not guilty as alleged.Legal battle and allegationsSorens legal defence strongly asserted his innocence, claiming he was falsely implicated by the ED. In contrast, the ED alleged that Soren had misused his authority as Chief Minister to unlawfully acquire 8.86 acres of land in Jharkhands state capital. The agency highlighted claims made by Sorens media consultant, Abhishek Prasad, who allegedly admitted to manipulating official records under the leaders instruction.EDs investigation and summonsThe ED emphasized that Raj Kumar Pahan, the original landowner, had attempted to file a complaint during the alleged usurpation of his land, which had gone unaddressed. Prior to his arrest, Soren had been summoned multiple times by the ED for questioning at his residence. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the EDs plea challenging the bail granted to Hemant Soren in the coming days, amidst ongoing legal deliberations surrounding the case.
