Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Plea for Personal Exemption Rejected; BJP Celebrates Court Ruling

Ranchi, 29 Nov 2025: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces fresh legal complications as a special court of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has rejected his plea seeking exemption from personal appearances in the ongoing case concerning alleged illegal land transactions.

The case pertains to 8.86 acres of land in the Bargarh area of Ranchi, which the ED claims was acquired using fraudulent documents and is of non-murabaha (Bhu-iheri) nature, meaning it cannot legally be bought or sold. The agency has alleged that Soren had illegal possession of the land.

Implications of Court Ruling
With the rejection of his exemption plea, Soren, who is also the JMM president, will now be required to appear in person for every hearing. Legal experts say this could impact both his judicial custody and ongoing bail procedures.

Political Repercussions
The ruling has been welcomed by the BJP, which has long targeted Soren and his family over alleged misuse of state resources, including mineral wealth and land. BJP leaders called it a “victory for law” and argued that the court’s stance confirms the seriousness of the alleged offenses.

Background
Soren was earlier arrested by the ED on 31 January 2024, shortly after resigning from the Chief Minister’s post, following prolonged questioning in the land scam case. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he remained in jail while his wife Kalpana Soren campaigned, helping the JMM secure five seats. Upon his release on bail, Soren resumed the CM post, replacing Champai Soren. His Maaiya Samman scheme for women significantly influenced the election outcome.

Other Cases Pending
Hemant Soren is under investigation in several cases by the ED and other central agencies. Apart from the land scam, he faces allegations related to illegal mining leases, potential office-of-profit violations, and links to state tender irregularities. Some of his close aides, including IAS officer Pooja Singhal, have also been named in ongoing inquiries. While Soren has not been directly implicated in the MNREGA scam, officers under him have been involved.

This latest development ensures that Soren will have to personally appear in court for upcoming hearings, keeping the spotlight firmly on Jharkhand’s political landscape.