THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ranchi, May 17: The Supreme Court on Friday (May 17) directed to list former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for interim bail in the money laundering case for election campaigning on May 21 after the ED sought time for filing a reply in the case.
Soren has approached the Supreme Court against the Jharkhand High Court’s order which dismissed his petition filed to challenge the arrest by the ED in connection with an alleged land scam on January 31.
ED’s argument
Earlier, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the ED, argued that Soren was arrested long back (January 31) and his regular bail applications were dismissed. He also pointed out that four phases of elections are already over.
Regarding the bench’s query regarding his denial of any involvement, the ASG said that Soren is directly connected with the land.
Kapil Sibal’s stand
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Soren, said that the next phases of elections are on May 20, May 25 and June 1. “Proceeds of crime is the land they say. There is no material to show,” he added.
The bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said that unless the court is prima facie satisfied, no order can be passed. The bench also pointed out that there is no time for an elaborate hearing today as the Arvind Kejriwal’s case was listed for hearing at 2.30 PM.
“We have to be prima facie satisfied that there is an issue. Mr Raju says he is not prepared. Either we can keep it next week, whenever you want,” Justice Khanna said.
Ultimately, the bench adjourned the hearing, directing the ED to file its reply by Monday.
Notably, Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31, in connection with an alleged land scam in Jharkhand. He is accused of being the primary beneficiary of fraudulently acquired land.
