Jharkhand’s Former CM Hemant Soren Faces Legal Action for Non-compliance with ED Summons

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated legal proceedings against Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), for his alleged failure to comply with multiple summonses. Soren, who was arrested on January 31 on charges of money laundering, is accused of not attending the investigation despite seven summonses, with the first issued on August 14 last year. The ED’s complaint suggests prosecution under section 174 of the Indian Penal Code for non-attendance in obedience to an order from a public servant.

The court, led by Chief Judicial Magistrate Krishna Kant Mishra, has found prima facie evidence of an offense under section 174 IPC, leading to sufficient grounds for proceedings under Section 204 of the Code of Criminal Procedure against Soren. The court has directed the issuance of a summons for Soren’s appearance on April 3. The allegations against Soren involve the fraudulent acquisition of 8.5 acres of land in Ranchi among other properties linked to him, marking a serious inquiry into his financial dealings.

This case unfolds alongside a similar complaint by the ED against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly disobeying the agency’s summonses. With the legal proceedings gaining momentum, the developments signify a tightening of the noose around political figures in connection with non-compliance and financial irregularities.

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