A local court on Monday framed charges against Union Coal Minister Shibu Soren in connection with the 1974 Pirtand murder case.

First Additional District Judge Manoranjan Kavi set aside the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha president's plea that there was no merit in the case as eight other accused had been acquitted.

The judge set March 21, 22 and 23 as the dates for trial.

Soren has been charged with murder, attempt to murder, meddling with evidence, conspiracy and unlawful assembly under various sections of the Indian Penal Code in the case.

Soren appeared before the court around 1230 IST and was asked to re-appear at 1430 IST for framing of charges.

Soon after, Soren complained of chest pain and hypertension and was admitted to a private nursing home at Giridih. He appeared in the court around 1500 IST with doctors.

The high court, acting on a revision petition by Soren, had on Friday refused to discharge him in the case.

Soren in his petition had challenged the Giridih court's direction for framing charges against him.