Breaking judicial news: India’s Supreme Court has slammed the brakes on the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. In a sharply worded hearing, the apex court bench stayed all trial court actions and issued formal notice to the federal agency.
Chief Justice Suryakant, joined by Justice Joymalya Bagchi, didn’t mince words. ‘We read in papers about your many cases—put your energy into the big ones for real results,’ he told ED representatives, blending wit with wisdom. This backdrop framed arguments over Soren’s compliance: ED claimed seven no-shows; Rohatgi countered with three arrests post-appearance.
The dispute traces to ED’s recovery of Soren-linked land papers (8.86 acres) from a close associate, birthing PMLA proceedings. Ranchi courts issued non-bailable warrants under IPC after High Court upheld initial summons, spurring Soren’s urgent apex court plea.
This relief arrives at a politically charged juncture, post-Soren’s release from custody amid JMM’s spirited defense against ‘vendetta politics.’ The order underscores Supreme Court’s role as referee in federal-state tussles over investigative overreach.
Looking ahead, ED’s reply could unearth more on the land scam allegations central to the probe. Yet, the interim stay empowers Soren to steer Jharkhand sans courtroom shadows, spotlighting ED’s case management challenges. A landmark moment in India’s anti-corruption enforcement narrative.