2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Feb 25, 2026 07:29 PM ISTJharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. (Source: ANI)The Supreme Court on Wednesday stayed criminal proceedings against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for allegedly not responding to summons by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).Issuing notice to Soren on the ED’s plea, a three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the agency should rather focus on the complaints already filed.The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, stayed proceedings initiated before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ranchi, on ED’s criminal complaint over the alleged violation of summons.The ED had booked an alleged aide of Soren and recovered documents relating to 8.86 acres of land that it claimed belonged to the CM. Soren was asked to appear in person for investigation but he refused, following which he was arrested in January 2024. In June 2024, the Jharkhand High Court granted him bail in the case.The agency filed a complaint before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ranchi, for hampering the investigation in a money-laundering case. The court found a prima facie case and summoned him.On Wednesday, the ED’s counsel said Soren had not appeared even once despite seven summonses.Appearing for the CM, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, however, said, “He appeared thrice and you arrested him.” He added that the agency was going after Soren, with one case after the other.Story continues below this adJustice Bagchi, too, said that he was arrested and is out on bail.The CJI said “yesterday, we were reading in a newspaper that you (ED) have filed bulk complaints. Concentrate and spend your energy on those complaints. You will have some constructive outcomes”.Justice Bagchi said “focus on effective prosecution. These are in terrorerm prosecution. Purpose has been served”.The court asked the agency to file its counter affidavit in 4 weeks’ time. © The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Hemant Sorensupreme court