The Madhya Pradesh High Court's vacation bench has rejected the temporary bail application of former transport constable Saurabh Sharma, who sought 60 days of release to care for his wife, who requires sinus surgery. Sharma is currently incarcerated on money laundering charges following a Lokayukta raid in January 2025, during which Rs 3 crore in cash was discovered at his residence, along with over Rs 10 crore and 52 kg of gold found in a deserted SUV allegedly belonging to him. Incriminating documents suggesting assets worth Rs 100-150 crore were also unearthed. Following the raid, the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) joined the investigation.
Background of the Case
Sharma had previously secured bail from the Lokayukta special court in Bhopal but remains in jail in the money laundering case. He moved a temporary bail application, prompting the court to request a health status report on his wife. The report indicated that she was diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) on the left side, with suspected migraine, and surgery was advised.
Court's Observations
The ED counsel argued that there was no emergency situation, noting that Sharma's regular bail application had been rejected on merits on November 27, 2025, after finding his involvement in the offense. The Special Leave to Appeal before the Supreme Court was withdrawn. The ED further contended that the wife's health condition was not serious and that other family members were available to care for her.
Justice Vishal Mishra observed that the medical report did not indicate an emergency condition and that during arguments, it was admitted that other family members, including in-laws, were available. Since the regular bail application had already been rejected based on the finding of involvement in the commission of the offense, and there was no serious emergency as per the medical expert report, the court concluded that no case for temporary bail was made out.
