New Delhi: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) plea challenging the bail granted to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The apex court upheld the Jharkhand High Court's order dated June 28, describing it as "well-reasoned."

The Supreme Court, through a bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan, clarified that the High Court's observations, which led to the bail, would not influence the trial judge or any future proceedings. The High Court had previously found a prima facie case that Soren was not guilty of money laundering.

Justice Gavai emphasized the validity of the High Court's reasoning, particularly its decision to disregard certain witness statements recorded by the ED under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Justice Viswanathan added that the ED's plea lacked a clear "nexus with the original entrant," referring to the alleged beneficiary Raj Kumar Pahawan.

The court also warned the ED that pushing the matter further might lead to complications. “We don’t want to observe more; if we observe more, you (the ED) might be in difficulty,” Justice Gavai remarked.

Hemant Soren, who was arrested on January 31, 2024, faces charges related to an illegal mining case and an alleged land scam involving 8.5 acres in Ranchi. Despite these allegations, Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court and released from Birsa Munda jail on June 28. Following his release, he regained his position as Chief Minister after winning a confidence motion in the Assembly.

The ED's investigation has led to the arrest of over 25 individuals, including Soren, former Ranchi deputy commissioner and IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, and Bhanu Pratap Prasad. The Supreme Court's recent decision marks a notable moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the Jharkhand Chief Minister.