Soren moves SC over HC's 'delay' on petition against arrest
What's the story
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Hemant Soren on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court, alleging a delay by the state high court in ruling on his petition. The petition challenges his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 for alleged money laundering. Despite reserving its verdict on February 28, the high court has yet to deliver a decision.
Legal proceedings
Sibal urged the court to expedite the proceedings
Senior counsel Kapil Sibal presented Soren's case before a bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, urging them to expedite the proceedings due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. "We had moved this court under Article 32 (writ petition seeking enforcement of fundamental right), but we were told to approach the high court first," explained Sibal. He added that they had filed a fresh petition and wanted it heard as soon as possible.
Legal advice
Justice Khanna suggests Sibal to send an email
Justice Khanna informed Sibal that he could not assign a date for the hearing, as it is the prerogative of the Chief Justice of India. He suggested that Sibal send an email which will be reviewed by the CJI, who will then make a decision. Sibal expressed concern that further delay in judgment delivery could frustrate one of the chief purposes of their petition.
Arrest details
Soren approached SC on January 31, prior to his arrest
Soren, leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, initially approached the Supreme Court on January 31, prior to his arrest in connection with an alleged land scam. His arrest occurred shortly after he resigned as the state's CM. Following his arrest, Soren filed a fresh application in the petition, requesting the SC to declare his arrest unconstitutional for being an abuse of power by ED. The ED countered that it possesses evidence showing Soren as the key beneficiary in Ranchi's "land-related irregularities."