The Supreme Court has refused to quash a 2011 FIR against former Gujarat IAS officer Pradeep Sharma, who is accused of misusing his official position in a land dispute. However, the court granted him anticipatory bail, allowing him to avoid immediate arrest while the case continues.
Sharma was accused of passing an order in favor of land allottees who were residing abroad and not cultivating the land, allegedly acting against the government’s interests. The Gujarat High Court had previously rejected his plea to dismiss the case and his request for anticipatory bail.
A Supreme Court bench ruled that the allegations were serious enough to warrant further investigation but acknowledged that the case primarily involved documentary evidence rather than a direct criminal act. As a result, the court allowed Sharma to remain free on bail under strict conditions, including full cooperation with investigators.
The decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on alleged misuse of power while balancing the need for a fair investigation.
