Today, on 26th February: Jharkhand High Court has reserved its decision on the request made by former Chief Minister Hemant Soren to participate in the State Assembly’s budget session. Soren’s plea sought permission to join the ongoing session. This move follows Soren’s arrest on January 31st in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court, presided over by a bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, is yet to announce its verdict. During the hearing, arguments were presented by Senior Counsel Kapil S and Additional Solicitor General of India SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Ranchi, Jharkhand: Today (On 26th February), the Jharkhand High Court withheld its decision on a petition brought forth by former state Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Soren seeks permission to partake in the ongoing budget session of the assembly, which commenced on February 23.
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Notably, Soren was apprehended on January 31st in connection with a money laundering case associated with an alleged land scam probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Following an extensive hearing, presided over by a bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, the verdict was reserved. Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal, along with Additional Solicitor General of India SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), presented arguments during the hearing.
Background
Soren, the leader of the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 on charges related to money laundering. He stated in his plea the significance of his presence in the assembly, especially during crucial voting sessions concerning various money bills.
The Enforcement Directorate has requested time to prepare a response to Soren’s plea. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for February 26 to address this matter.
Earlier, Soren had approached the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court seeking permission to participate in the budget session. Subsequently, after the conclusion of his 13-day ED custody on February 15, he was transferred to the Birsa Munda Central Jail.
Earlier, the court denied the request of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea to join the upcoming budget session of the Jharkhand assembly.
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Hemant Soren, a big name in Jharkhand politics, now faces the challenge of dealing with legal scrutiny while carrying out his public duties. The court’s refusal to allow him to join the important budget session highlights the tough road for politicians tangled up in legal battles.
As the budget session is a key event in the state’s legislative calendar, where crucial decisions regarding the state’s finances and policies are debated and decided, the absence of a significant political figure like Soren could have notable repercussions on the deliberations and outcomes.
