Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren asked to appear before EC

The Election Commission will hold a personal hearing with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in its quasi judicial court at Nirvachan Sadan on May 31 over his mining lease ownership. In his reply to the EC notice on Friday, Soren had sought time for a personal hearing to which the poll panel has agreed, ET has gathered. Whether more than one personal hearing will be required will depend on the outcome of the May 31 proceedings.

On May 2, the EC had served a notice to Hemant Soren under disqualification clauses in the Representation of People's Act, 1951. According to the Constitution, the Commission has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and state legislatures.

Further, cases of persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections which come before the Supreme Court and high courts are also referred to the Commission for its opinion on the question as to whether such a person shall be disqualified and, if so, for what period.