High Court Grants Time to File Rejoinder to ED’s Reply; Two Orders of the PMLA Court Challenged
Ranchi, November 5, 2026: The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday heard two criminal petitions filed by former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren in connection with the Bargai land scam case. During the hearing, Soren’s counsel sought additional time to file a rejoinder to the reply submitted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Accepting the request, the court scheduled the next hearing for December 2, 2026.
Hemant Soren has challenged two separate orders passed by the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The first petition challenges the rejection of his discharge petition by the special court. Through this petition, he has questioned the lower court’s decision refusing to discharge him from the case. The second petition challenges the order taking cognizance of the case without obtaining the required sanction for prosecution.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Soren’s lawyers requested additional time to submit their response to the ED’s reply. The court granted the request and allowed the defence to file its rejoinder. Further proceedings will take place during the next hearing, when the court will consider the legal issues raised in the petitions and the submissions of both sides.
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the alleged land fraud and illegal occupation of land in the Bargai Circle area. During the investigation, the central agency conducted raids at several locations linked to JMM leader Antu Tirkey, architect Vinod Kumar Singh and other land dealers. After completing its investigation, the ED filed a chargesheet against the accused before the Special PMLA Court.
The Special PMLA Court has already framed charges against 17 accused, including Antu Tirkey and architect Vinod Kumar Singh. Meanwhile, proceedings on the two criminal petitions filed by Hemant Soren are continuing before the Jharkhand High Court. The next hearing, scheduled for December 2, 2026, will be important for further proceedings in the matter.
