Sourabh Sharma vs State Of Madhya Pradesh

Milind Ramesh Phadke, J

This is first bail application under Section 483 of BNSS filed by the applicant for grant of bail.

The applicant has been arrested on 17.11.2025 by Police Station-Mehgaon, District Bhind in connection with Crime No.273/2025, registered in relation to the offence punishable under Sections 318 (4), 338, 336 (3), 340 (2), 316 (5) of BNS and section 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act.

As per the prosecution story, the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mehgaon, District Bhind, submitted a report to the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Bhind. In this report, it was stated that the Execution clerk, Saurabh Sharma, posted in the court of JMFC , was responsible for maintaining the challan register, fine register, and online verification of payments of fine and compensation in criminal cases. On 12.09.2025, the JMFC conducted a surprise online verification of the challan register through the State Government Online Treasury and the official website of the High Court. During the verification various irregularities were found and on the basis of same the aforesaid case has been registered against the petitioner.

Learned counsel for the applicant submitted that the applicant is innocent and has been falsely implicated in this case. He is a government employee and a respectable citizen. It is further submitted that the applicant is permanent resident of District Bhind and there is no likelihood of his absconsion or tampering with the prosecution evidence. Trial will take time for its conclusion. The applicant is permanent resident of District Bhind and there is no likelihood of his absconsion or tampering with the prosecution evidence. He is ready to abide by the terms and conditions as may be imposed. With the aforesaid submissions, prayer for grant of bail is made out.

Learned counsel for the State vehemently opposed the application and prayed for its rejection.

Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, nature of allegations and coupled with the fact that the trial is not likely to conclude in near future and prolonged pre- trial detention being an anathema to the concept of liberty, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of bail to the applicant.

Accordingly, without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, this application is allowed and it is directed that the applicant be released on bail on furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs.50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) with one solvent surety of the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial Court/committal Court for his appearance on the dates given by the concerned Court.

This order will remain operative subject to compliance of the following conditions by the applicant:-

The applicant will comply with all the terms and conditions of the bond executed by him;

The applicant will cooperate in the investigation/trial, as the case may be;

The applicant will not indulge themselves in extending inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case so as to dissuade him from disclosing such facts to the Court or to the Police Officer, as the case may be;

4 . The applicant shall not commit any other offence during pendency of the trial, failing which this bail order shall stand cancelled automatically, without further reference to the Bench;

The applicant will not seek unnecessary adjournments during the trial; and

The applicant will not leave India without previous permission of the trial Court/Investigating Officer, as the case may be.

Certified copy as per rules.