MP High Court refuses to quash bribery case against ASI Sanjay Sisodiya

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on 23 October 2026 refused to quash the bribery case against Sanjay Sisodiya, an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police in Madhya Pradesh, and upheld a special court's order for further investigation with fresh voice samples. A division bench held that the transcript of a recorded conversation prima facie showed an offence under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

What Happened

According to the judgment, the ASI investigated a cheating case filed by a hotel operator against his landlord. The hotel operator then alleged that the ASI demanded Rs 30,000 as a bribe for that investigation, and in a second complaint that he asked for Rs 10,000 to be brought. A conversation was recorded and FIR No. 82/2024 was registered under Section 7. Trap attempts were made two or three times but could not be completed because the ASI was not found at the police station.

The investigating agency filed closure report No. 2/2025 on 12 March 2026, saying the transcript showed no demand and that the state forensic laboratory in Bhopal gave no opinion on the voice for lack of suitable speech. On 22 July 2026 the Special Judge (PC Act), Bhopal rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation, including fresh voice samples.

The High Court found no illegality in that order. It noted that under Section 7 even an attempt to obtain a bribe is an offence. It said the laboratory had found the sample inappropriate and insufficient, and had recorded that large variation in the voice suggested an attempt at disguise, so a closure based on it was not conclusive. Relying on Supreme Court precedent, it held that a court may direct an accused to give a voice sample. The petition was dismissed.

What It Means

The investigation will continue, and the police must collect fresh voice samples for re-examination. The High Court's prima facie view is not a finding of guilt. These are allegations, not findings of guilt; the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, and due process continues.

Anyone asked for a bribe by an official can report it to the state anti-corruption bureau or Lokayukta; Oquilia's guide lists every state's helpline at https://www.oquilia.com/report-a-bribe.

Source: High Court judgment