SC stays proceedings against Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for defying ED summons
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Supreme Court of India has stayed criminal proceedings against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who had been accused of defying repeated summonses by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a land amassment case. The bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant questioned the ED's approach, noting that it appeared to be using "proceedings in terrorem" to intimidate Soren. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Soren, alleged that the ED's actions were politically motivated and aimed at harassing the CM, who has been a target of central agencies for over a year due to his political alignment.
The case originated when the ED filed multiple summonses against Soren, claiming he had wilfully disregarded them to obstruct the investigation. Soren argued in court that he had already appeared before the agency thrice and responded to their queries, making the repeated summonses unjustifiable. The bench agreed, stating that if the ED's goal was to instill fear, it had succeeded, and urged them to focus on more substantial cases.
In his appeal, Soren alleged that central agencies were targeting him for political reasons, as he is not aligned with the ruling party at the Centre. He described the ED's complaint as "frivolous" and "vexatious," emphasizing that criminal processes should not be weaponized to harass or humiliate public figures. The High Court had previously dismissed his petitions, but the Supreme Court's intervention has now halted the proceedings, allowing Soren to file a rejoinder.
The bench's remarks highlight concerns about potential abuse of power by law enforcement agencies and the need for accountability in high-profile cases involving politicians. This decision underscores the delicate balance between investigative powers and the rights of individuals, particularly those in public office. For readers interested in India's legal and political dynamics, this case sheds light on broader issues of justice, transparency, and partisan conflicts within the system.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026