Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking release, stating that it had become irrelevant following the Jharkhand High Court's order on May 3. The High Court had dismissed Soren's plea against arrest in connection with a money laundering case. Soren had resigned from his post as CM in January after the Enforcement Directorate informed him of his arrest under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Political Turmoil in Jharkhand: Former Chief Minister Hemant Soren Faces Money Laundering Charges
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been embroiled in a legal battle since his resignation in January 2023 following the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) initiation of proceedings against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Background:
Hemant Soren, who belongs to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), became the Chief Minister of Jharkhand in 2019. However, his tenure has been marred by allegations of corruption and money laundering. The allegations stem from a 2012 case involving the allocation of mining licenses in Jharkhand, during Soren's previous term as Chief Minister.
Allegations and Developments:
The ED alleges that Soren used his position as Chief Minister to grant mining leases to a private company, Misrilal Construction Pvt. Ltd., in exchange for kickbacks. The ED claims that Soren received Rs. 10 crore from the company as a bribe, which was allegedly laundered through various shell companies and bank accounts.
Soren has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. He has challenged the ED's case in court, arguing that the allegations are fabricated and that there is no credible evidence against him.
Recent Developments:
On May 3, 2023, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed Soren's plea against arrest in connection with the money laundering case. The High Court held that the ED had produced sufficient evidence to justify Soren's arrest.
Following the High Court's decision, Soren appealed to the Supreme Court seeking release on bail. However, on June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed Soren's plea, stating that it had become irrelevant in light of the High Court's order.
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