Jharkhand Office-Of-Profit Case: CM Soren Seeks Copy Of Governor Bais' 'Second Opinion', Approaches EC

After a petition was filed by the BJP against Soren in an office-of-profit case seeking his disqualification from the Assembly, the EC had sent its decision to the governor on August 25.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren

New Delhi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, through his counsel, has sought a copy from the Election Commission of Governor Ramesh Bais’ request for a “second opinion” in an office-of-profit case, reported news agency PTI. The request came after Bais had said on October 27 that he has sought a "second opinion" in the case and claimed that an "atom bomb could explode any time in Jharkhand", apparently indicating towards his pending decision in the matter.

"I have sought a copy from the EC of Governor Ramesh Bais's request for second opinion in office-of-profit case through my counsel," Soren told the news agency.

"The counsel has placed on my behalf that the EC will provide an opportunity for fair and effective hearing before giving any opinion pursuant to the second request made by the governor," the MLA from Barhait said.

Soren's counsel Vaibhav Tomar in the letter to the EC has said that "it transpires from communications received from you and statements made by the governor that you have tendered your opinion in reference case 3(G) of 2022 (Bharatiya Janata Party vs. Hemant Soren) to the governor on August 25, 2022".

After a petition was filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party against Soren in an office-of-profit case seeking his disqualification from the Assembly, the EC had sent its decision to the governor on August 25, triggering a political crisis in the state. 

While the EC’s decision is yet to be made official, speculations had been rife that the poll panel has recommended Chief Minister’s eviction as an MLA in connection with the mining lease case. 

The Supreme Court on Monday is likely to pronounce its judgment on the special leave petition filed by the Chief Minister Soren challenging the maintainability of a PIL related to the mining lease filed in the Jharkhand High Court earlier this year.