State Bureau, Ranchi: A hearing was held on Monday in the Jharkhand High Court (JHC) before the bench of Justice A.K. Chaudhary on Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s petition seeking exemption from personal appearance in connection with a case involving alleged non-compliance with ED summons. During the proceedings, the ED was unable to file its reply.
The bench directed the ED to submit its response by January 16 and maintained the interim relief granted to Hemant Soren. The High Court had earlier stayed the MP-MLA Court’s order requiring Hemant Soren to appear in person. Soren has challenged the order of appearance in the High Court.
Complaint Filed Against Hemant Soren in Court
The ED filed a complaint in court alleging that Hemant Soren failed to comply with summons issued by the agency. Initially, the complaint was lodged in the CJM Court, which took cognizance of the matter and directed Hemant Soren to appear. However, Soren failed to attend multiple hearings. The case was subsequently transferred to the MP-MLA Court, but Soren has not appeared there either.
ED’s Allegations in the Complaint
The ED’s complaint states that Hemant Soren was issued 10 summonses in connection with a land scam, but he appeared only twice—on January 20 and January 31. This was deemed a violation of the ED’s summons.
Hemant Soren in Delhi
Chief Minister Hemant Soren traveled to New Delhi on Sunday, reportedly to meet President Droupadi Murmu for a courtesy visit. He was accompanied by his wife, Kalpana Soren. Earlier during his Delhi visit, Soren had met key leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Arvind Kejriwal, inviting them to a swearing-in ceremony.
Soren also plans to visit Ujjain from Delhi to offer prayers at the Mahakal Temple.
