Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court (HC) on Friday declined to interfere with proceedings against Chief Minister Hemant Soren in the money-laundering case linked to 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi’s Bargain (Badgai) area, clearing the way for the Special PMLA Court to proceed with the case.
Soren had approached the High Court challenging the June 8, 2026 order of the Special PMLA Court, which rejected his discharge petition. He had also sought a stay on further proceedings before the trial court. The High Court heard arguments from both sides on September 16 and reserved its order.
Ranchi : हाईकोर्ट से सीएम हेमंत सोरेन को झटका,
बड़गाईं अंचल के 8.86 एकड़ जमीन घोटाले से जुड़ा है मामला#news18biharjharkhand #biharnews pic.twitter.com/6dyBu7bDlI— News18 Jharkhand (@News18Jharkhand) September 18, 2026
The case stems from an Enforcement Directorate investigation into alleged irregularities in the acquisition, ownership and transfer of the 8.86-acre property. The ED has alleged that the land was fraudulently transferred in Soren’s favour and that the transactions formed part of a money-laundering case. Soren has denied the allegations.
The Special PMLA Court had earlier held that material placed before it disclosed a prima facie case against Soren and therefore declined to discharge him. The ED has opposed his plea, maintaining that the material gathered during its investigation was sufficient for the proceedings to continue.
The High Court’s latest decision means the proceedings before the Special PMLA Court can move ahead. The matter is scheduled to come up on September 19 for the next stage of proceedings, including consideration of charges against Soren. Charges have already been framed against several other accused in the case.
The development, however, does not amount to a finding of guilt against Soren. The allegations remain subject to adjudication during the criminal proceedings.
The High Court proceedings are continuing separately; a related matter is listed for October 14, according to the court record.
