SC declines to hear Jharkhand CM's petition, redirects to State HC over ED summons

In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has declined to hear the petition filed by Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren challenging a summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with money laundering allegations. Instead, the Chief Minister has been directed to approach the Jharkhand High Court for his plea. The ED had summoned Mr. Soren to appear for questioning on September 23 regarding corruption allegations related to illegal mining in Sahebganj district.

Mr. Soren had filed the petition in the Supreme Court, expressing his concerns about the repeated summons from the ED, which he perceived as attempts to threaten, humiliate, and intimidate him. He argued that these actions were politically motivated and aimed at undermining his office. He pointed out that the summonses were addressed to the "Chief Minister of Jharkhand" rather than to him directly.

The Chief Minister further claimed that the targeting of opposition leaders had intensified in the lead-up to upcoming elections and following the formation of the INDIA alliance, which includes his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. He alleged that central investigative agencies, such as the ED, were being used to harass political rivals, and he cited instances where cases against politicians seemed to vanish once they joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The allegations against Mr. Soren include violating election rules by granting himself a mining lease, a charge he has vehemently denied. He has characterized these accusations as part of a conspiracy to persecute a tribal leader.