The Jharkhand High Court on September 18, 2026 refused to stay proceedings against Chief Minister Hemant Soren before the Special PMLA Court in Ranchi in connection with the alleged illegal acquisition and possession of 8.86 acres of land in the Bargain area. Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad passed the order on Soren’s interim application.
Soren had approached the High Court after the Special PMLA Court rejected his discharge application on June 8, 2026. He sought suspension of further proceedings, arguing that prior sanction required for prosecuting a public servant had not been obtained. The Enforcement Directorate opposed the request.
The High Court examined the protection available under Section 197 of the CrPC, which requires prior sanction in certain prosecutions involving public servants. The Court noted that such protection applies where the alleged act has a reasonable connection with official duties.
The High Court clarified that its observations were prima facie and limited to consideration of Soren’s request for interim relief. It further made clear that those observations would not influence the trial court while deciding the case on its merits.
The Court found, at this stage, no apparent connection between the alleged acts concerning the disputed land and the statutory functions of the Chief Minister.
The High Court rejected Soren’s request for interim relief and directed that proceedings before the Special PMLA Court continue in accordance with law. His main challenge to the discharge rejection is listed for further hearing on October 14, 2026.
