The Special Court in Ranchi Tuesday heard ex-CM Hemant Soren’s petition seeking bail. 

During the hearing, the Enforcement Directorate sought time to submit an affidavit challenging Hemant Soren's bail petition. 

In response, the ED’s special court provided one week time to the central agency to file its reply and fixed April 23 as the date for hearing Soren’s plea for bail. 

Hemant Soren, 48, who was arrested on January 31 after resigning as the Jharkhand chief minister had first moved the state high court challenging his arrest in the case. However, HC rejected his plea. Now, his petition is pending in the SC. 

Notably, Soren is accused by the ED in the money laundering case linked to "illegal" possession of huge parcels of land and alleged association with the "land mafia".