The Supreme Court declined former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s request for interim bail to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. Soren, facing a money laundering case, sought parity with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who was granted bail to campaign.
Kejriwal’s arrest in a money laundering case related to Delhi’s excise policy led to his plea before the Delhi HC, challenging the arrest’s legality. The HC upheld the arrest, prompting Kejriwal to approach the SC. The SC, acknowledging his political status, granted him bail to participate in the polls.
In contrast, Soren’s arrest in a land scam-related case saw him pursuing remedies simultaneously. The Jharkhand HC’s dismissal of his plea challenging the arrest led to his bail application in the trial court, which was rejected. The SC opined that Soren should have pursued bail before the HC, leading to the withdrawal of his plea.
Kejriwal’s AAP is a national party, and he is the Delhi CM, factors that may have influenced the SC’s decision. In contrast, Soren’s JMM is not a national party, and he had resigned as CM before his arrest, possibly affecting the court’s view.
The legal nuances and political contexts of these cases highlight the complexities and challenges faced by politicians entangled in legal battles, especially during election seasons.
