Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has granted the Central Government an extension to submit its formal reply in an ongoing money laundering case concerning former Chief Minister Hemant Soren. A division bench, presided over by Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Manoj Prasad, has fixed November 19 as the date for the subsequent proceedings.
Soren has moved the court to challenge specific clauses within the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) while seeking an immediate halt to the ongoing trial proceedings currently active in the special court.
Centre Granted Extension for Counter-Affidavit
During the Wednesday proceedings, representatives for the Central Government formally requested more time to compile and file a comprehensive response. The bench agreed to the plea, pushing the schedule forward.
At the heart of Soren’s petition is a legal challenge directed at Section 44(1)(2) of the PMLA. Because the statute originates from Central legislation, the High Court previously added the Centre as a formal party to the litigation and instructed it to provide a counter-affidavit.
Defence Push for Trial Stoppage
Legal counsel representing Soren argued before the bench that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already submitted its formal prosecution complaint to the special court following the conclusion of its inquiry. The petition questions the legal validity of keeping an investigation open even after a prosecution complaint has been officially filed.
The defence has aggressively pushed for an interim suspension of the special court's trial activities until the High Court reaches a definitive verdict on the constitutional and legal questions raised.
Conversely, the ED maintains that its probe remains active. The High Court opted not to grant any interim stay during the latest session, meaning the special court proceedings currently continue unhindered.
The Core Allegations: 8.86 Acres in Ranchi
The legal battle stems from accusations involving the unauthorized acquisition of an 8.86-acre land parcel located within the Bargaain revenue circle in Ranchi's Bariatu neighborhood, alongside associated property discrepancies. The ED has officially designated Soren as a prime accused in the matter.
On September 30, the special ED court formally framed charges against the former chief minister. Furthermore, the lower court instructed the federal agency to commence presenting its witnesses and recording testimonies starting November 30.
Anticipation Builds for November 19
Beyond challenging the PMLA provisions, Soren has also contested the special court's charge-sheeting order and its related directives.
Legal analysts consider the upcoming November 19 hearing pivotal, as the High Court is anticipated to review the Centre's submitted response and evaluate the complex statutory arguments presented by the defence. The trajectory of the case now hinges on these upcoming judicial deliberations.
