The Supreme Court admitted a petition challenging the acquittal of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren in the Shashinath Jha murder case.

Jha, who was personal assistant to Mr Soren was found murdered in 2001.

A trial court in Delhi had held the JMM Supremo guilty of murder of his former aide and had sentenced him to life imprisonment. Mr Soren subsequently resigned from his post of Union Coal Minister.

The Delhi High Court, however, set aside the order of the trial court and acquitted him.

The family members of Jha, challenged the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court.

A bench comprising Justices Altamas Kabir and A K Patnaik decided to hear the appeal on merit.

Jha was allegedly killed as he was threatening to expose Mr Soren.

UNI