Jharkhand High Court Seeks ED's Response In Ex-CM Hemant Soren's Plea Seeking Nod To Participate In State Assembly Session

The Jharkhand High Court today sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a petition filed by the former state Chief Minister Hemant Soren seeking permission to participate in the budget session of the assembly which started today.

Soren moved to the High Court after he was denied permission to participate in the budget session by a special PMLA court in Ranchi on Wednesday (February 21).

Appearing for Soren, Senior Counsel Rajiv Ranjan argued the case showing the urgency in the matter and insisted upon passing an appropriate order, so that he may be allowed to participate in the Budget Session.

However, a serious objection to the petition was made by the Addl. Solicitor General of India SV Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate, and he sought time to file a response to the present petition.

The Court, after having heard the counsel for the parties on the aforesaid issue, opined that since the matter was being heard under the heading 'For Orders' which is the first hearing, hence, it will be "in the ends of justice" to provide an opportunity to the respondent-Enforcement Directorate to file a response in the matter.

Therefore, considering the urgency of the matter, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on 26th February 2024 at 10:30 am.

However, noting that as per the Administrative Order, the Single Roster has been provided to this Bench on Friday only and for the rest of the week, i.e., from Monday to Thursday, it is Division Bench, therefore, the Court considered it fit that the case may be listed on 26th February, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with the approval of the Acting Chief Justice.