Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. The plea will be heard by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Friday.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, mentioned the plea against his arrest before the Supreme Court. Sibal also informed the court that they were withdrawing their case from the Jharkhand High Court, where it was previously mentioned.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that the Enforcement Directorate arrests thousands of people, implying that not everyone can approach the Supreme Court. In response, Sibal remarked, “Everyone will be arrested before elections.”
Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate after being questioned for over seven hours regarding money laundering charges in an alleged land fraud case. Prior to his arrest, he resigned as Chief Minister and released a video message expressing his determination to stand firm and his belief in the triumph of truth.
He emphasized the need to fight against a feudal system that oppresses the poor, dalits, and tribals, stating that the time has come for a war against such injustice.
After his arrest, Soren maintained that he had no connection to the money laundering case. Subsequently, following Soren’s resignation, Champai Soren, a loyalist of the party and the state Transport Minister, was appointed as his replacement.