Ranchi, Dec. 3 - The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday offered partial relief to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, ruling that he needs to appear only once before the Special MP/MLA Court in a summons case involving allegations under Section 174 of the IPC. The courtroom atmosphere was noticeably tense, though not hostile, as Justice Anil Kumar Choudhary read out the order, balancing procedural law with what he called the “practical realities” of a sitting Chief Minister’s schedule.
Background
Soren had approached the High Court after the Special Judicial Magistrate (MP/MLA Court), Ranchi, rejected his request for exemption from personal appearance in a complaint case. The underlying offence-refusal to obey a lawful order, punishable with up to one month’s jail-is legally labelled “minor”, yet politically sensitive given the petitioner’s position.
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His counsel argued that requiring the Chief Minister to appear on every date was unnecessary and, frankly, unrealistic. “This is a summons case, a bailable offence with minimal punishment. The trial court should have allowed the exemption,” senior advocate Arunabh Choudhary argued during the virtual hearing.
On the other side, the Enforcement Directorate’s counsel did not strongly object to Soren receiving exemption, but insisted that he must at least appear once to furnish the bail bond. “Beyond that, the trial court can call him only when absolutely needed,” one of the advocates remarked, adopting a practical approach.
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Court’s Observations
Justice Choudhary appeared receptive to both sides but grounded the decision firmly in law. While noting Soren’s office obligations, the judge did not offer blanket privileges. Instead, he emphasised the limited nature of the alleged offence.
“The bench observed, ‘Considering that the petitioner is the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the offence is minor, insisting on physical presence on all future dates cannot be justified,’” the judge remarked. The courtroom nodded along-some lawyers even whispered that this was the only reasonable conclusion.
The court also took note of a significant concession from the petitioner’s side: Soren, through counsel, voluntarily agreed to appear before the MP/MLA Court at 2:00 PM on December 6, 2025. That single assurance appeared to tip the balance, allowing the High Court to craft a calibrated order.
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Decision
In its final order, the High Court modified the earlier ruling of the Special MP/MLA Court. Justice Choudhary directed that:
- Hemant Soren must appear only once-on December 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
- His personal appearance on all future hearing dates is dispensed with, provided he is represented by a properly instructed lawyer.
- However, if the trial court later feels that the CM’s presence is required “for any specific unavoidable purpose,” it may order him to appear physically or via video conferencing.
With these directions, the Criminal Miscellaneous Petition was disposed of, closing the matter at the High Court level.
Case Title: Hemant Soren vs Directorate of Enforcement
Case No.: Cr.M.P. No. 3316 of 2024
Case Type: Criminal Miscellaneous Petition (seeking modification/quashing of order on personal appearance)
Decision Date: 03 December 2025 (Order of Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi)
