Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren did not appear in person before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi on Saturday, 20 September 2025, in connection with a money laundering case tied to 8.86 acres of land in the city's Bargain area. The court has now fixed 21 September as the next date of hearing and directed Soren to appear either physically or through virtual mode at 4 pm.

Why Soren Was Absent

Soren's counsel informed the court that the Chief Minister was occupied with pre-scheduled constitutional responsibilities and was therefore unable to appear in person. The court accepted the explanation for the day but set a firm next date, giving him the option of virtual participation to avoid another physical absence.

High Court Clears Path for Trial

The special court proceedings resumed following a significant setback for Soren on Friday, when the Jharkhand High Court rejected his discharge petition and refused to grant him relief. The High Court upheld the special PMLA court's earlier order dismissing his discharge plea, thereby clearing the way for further proceedings before the trial court.

Soren had challenged the PMLA court's order rejecting his discharge application and had also sought a stay on the ongoing proceedings. After hearing arguments from both sides on 16 September, the High Court had reserved its verdict before delivering it on Friday.

What the Case Is About

The case centres on 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi's Bargain circle area. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating allegations that the land was acquired through illegal means and that associated transactions involved financial irregularities. According to the agency, land-related documents and procedural records were allegedly manipulated.

The ED has filed a charge sheet against Soren and around 18 other accused persons in the matter. The special court has already framed charges against several co-accused.

Soren's Position and ED's Counterargument

Soren has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that there is no sufficient direct evidence against him. The ED, however, has contended that documents recovered during the investigation, witness statements, and other circumstantial evidence establish a prima facie case warranting trial.

On 8 June, the special PMLA court had rejected Soren's discharge plea, observing that the material on record was sufficient at the prima facie stage to proceed further. The court clarified at the time that no conclusion regarding guilt had been reached.

What Happens Next

With both the discharge petition and the stay request now dismissed, Soren faces a full trial before the special PMLA court. His appearance — physical or virtual — before the court at 4 pm on 21 September will be the immediate next step in proceedings that have gathered momentum following the High Court's ruling.