Overview
- Proceedings before the Ranchi MP-MLA/Special Court arising from the ED’s complaint over alleged disobedience of PMLA summons have been stayed by a bench led by CJI Surya Kant.
- Soren’s petition challenges the Jharkhand High Court’s January 15 refusal to quash cognisance of the case under Section 174 of the IPC tied to ED summons.
- The bench asked the ED to file its response within four weeks with a further two weeks for any rejoinder, clarifying the stay is an interim procedural step.
- In oral remarks, the judges urged the agency to focus on effective prosecutions and questioned the utility of multiple complaints, calling such filings in terrorem.
- The ED alleges Soren ignored seven to ten summons in a land-linked money-laundering probe that includes an 8.86-acre attachment, while his counsel says he replied, appeared thrice, and was arrested on January 31, 2024 before later securing bail.