National Desk, 21st May: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has strongly opposed former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea for interim bail to campaign for elections. Soren, currently in judicial custody due to a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam, sought bail for campaigning ahead of the polls.
In a statement to the Supreme Court, the ED argued that granting Soren interim bail for campaigning could set a precedent for all incarcerated politicians, potentially claiming special treatment. They emphasized that the right to campaign for an election is not a fundamental, constitutional, or legal right.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Soren’s plea on May 21, with a vacation bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma presiding over the matter.
In their response, the ED stated that Soren’s actions, including filing false cases against their officers under the SC/ST Act, aimed to obstruct their investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Additionally, they highlighted Soren’s issuance of notices under Section 41A of CrPC to impede the investigation.
The ED’s firm stance underscores their commitment to upholding the integrity of their investigation. They referenced a previous order by the Hon’ble High Court, criticizing Soren’s attempts to direct enforcement officials involved in the case.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of Soren’s plea will shape the trajectory of his ongoing legal proceedings amidst allegations of financial misconduct.
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