Ex-CJI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Soren’s disqualification due to a mining lease is insufficient

Former Chief Justice of India Hemant Soren’s mining lease is an insufficient basis for his expulsion from the state legislature. In his response to the Jharkhand chief minister’s request for an opinion on the case, Justice VN Khare stated.

Soren received a notice from the Election Commission of India (ECI) last week, requesting him to explain why he should not be disqualified. The ECI cited the review of documents as adequate grounds for beginning disqualification procedures, citing the grant.

It mentioned the Representation of the People Act, which states: “a person shall be disqualified if, and for so long as, there subsists a contract entered into by him in the course of his trade or business with the appropriate Government for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any works undertaken by, that Government.’’