The Supreme Court of India has declined to intervene in the arrest of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. Instead, the court has instructed Soren’s legal team to approach the Jharkhand High Court for further action. Soren was taken into custody by the central agency on Wednesday and subsequently produced before the court. In response, Soren had approached the Supreme Court seeking the declaration of his arrest as unwarranted and arbitrary, alleging a violation of his fundamental rights.
1. Supreme Court’s Refusal and Suggestion:
The Supreme Court, on Friday, refused to interfere with the arrest of Hemant Soren by the ED and advised his lawyers to pursue the matter in the Jharkhand High Court. The court emphasized that high courts are constitutional courts and open to everyone seeking legal recourse.
2. Arrest in Connection with Land Scam:
Soren’s arrest followed questioning by the central agency in connection with a money laundering investigation related to a land scam case. It has been alleged that Soren illegally acquired 12 land parcels in Ranchi.
3. Soren’s Allegation of Conspiracy:
Hemant Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has accused the central government of orchestrating a conspiracy against him ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He believes that his arrest is politically motivated.
4. High Court as the Next Legal Step:
In response to the Supreme Court’s direction, Soren’s lawyers will approach the Jharkhand High Court to challenge his arrest and seek appropriate legal remedies. The high court will evaluate the merits of the case and determine the course of action.
5. Fundamental Rights at Stake:
Soren’s plea to the Supreme Court contends that his arrest is arbitrary and violates his fundamental rights. The Jharkhand High Court will have the opportunity to examine the legality of the arrest and assess whether Soren’s rights have indeed been infringed upon.
FAQs:
1. What is the reason behind Hemant Soren’s arrest?
Hemant Soren has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering investigation related to a land scam case. It is alleged that he illegally acquired 12 land parcels in Ranchi.
2. Why did the Supreme Court refuse to interfere with Soren’s arrest?
The Supreme Court advised Soren’s legal team to approach the Jharkhand High Court, stating that high courts are constitutional courts accessible to all seeking legal recourse.
3. What allegations has Hemant Soren made regarding his arrest?
Soren has accused the central government of orchestrating a conspiracy against him ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, claiming that his arrest is politically motivated.
4. What will be the next legal step for Soren’s lawyers?
Following the Supreme Court’s directive, Soren’s legal team will approach the Jharkhand High Court to challenge his arrest and seek appropriate legal remedies.
5. What is the basis of Soren’s plea to the Supreme Court?
Soren’s plea argues that his arrest is unwarranted, arbitrary, and violates his fundamental rights. The Jharkhand High Court will assess the validity of these claims.