Ranchi, Sep 18 (PTI) The Jharkhand High Court on Friday rejected Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea seeking a stay on proceedings against him in a land purchase case before the Special PMLA court here.
The high court had on Wednesday reserved its order in Soren’s plea challenging the rejection by the Special PMLA court of his petition, which sought discharge from criminal proceedings in connection with alleged illegal acquisition and transfer of 8.86 acres of land in Bargain area of Ranchi.
Soren had earlier filed a petition to discharge himself of the criminal liability before the special court, which was rejected on June 8, after which he had filed a plea challenging the order before the high court on August 31.
The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition.
A discharge petition is a formal request made by an accused person asking a trial court to drop a criminal case before formal charges are framed.
Soren’s counsel prayed for the high court to stay the proceedings in the lower court.
However, the high court on September 9 did not allow it and ordered the ED to file a response in the matter.
The Special PMLA court has already framed charges against co-accused Antu Tirkey, architect Vinod Kumar Singh and 15 others. PTI CORR NAM RBT
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