By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar: The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted conditional medical bail to Congress MLA Satish K. Sail, who is facing money-laundering charges linked to the multi-crore illegal iron ore export case from Belekeri port. The relief was granted to enable him to undergo a liver transplant, in view of his deteriorating health condition.
Justice S. Sunil Dutt Yadav, presiding over a single-judge bench, allowed Sail’s petition challenging the cancellation of his interim medical bail by the special court for MPs and MLAs. The special court had earlier issued a non-bailable warrant against Sail on the allegation that he was not cooperating with the trial. It had also revoked the interim medical bail granted to him in a case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Allowing the plea, the High Court observed that Sail is suffering from serious liver-related ailments and that it would be extremely difficult for him to undergo a liver transplant and receive post-operative treatment while remaining in judicial custody. On these grounds, the court granted him conditional medical bail, while making it clear that the investigation and trial in the case would continue.
Prior to this order, Sail had undergone medical examinations at the ESI Hospital and the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, and later at AIIMS, New Delhi. Acting on the ED’s request, a medical board at AIIMS had examined him and submitted a detailed report to the court. The doctors noted multiple health complications, including severe liver dysfunction, and categorically recommended a liver transplant.
The court took note of the medical reports, which stated that Sail’s condition required urgent intervention and long-term follow-up care, something that would not be feasible in prison. Accepting these submissions, the High Court granted him medical bail subject to strict conditions.
Long legal battle since 2010
Satish Sail, the Congress MLA from the Karwar Assembly constituency, has been embroiled in legal proceedings since 2010. The case relates to the illegal export of iron ore worth several crores of rupees from Belekeri port. In connection with this scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet naming Sail as the second accused.
After prolonged trial proceedings, the special court for MPs and MLAs on October 26, 2024, convicted Sail in six related cases. He was sentenced to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹44 crore. The verdict triggered intense political debate across the state.
Challenging the conviction, Sail approached the Karnataka High Court. On December 21, 2024, the High Court stayed his conviction in the illegal iron ore export case and directed the State government not to notify a by-election to the Karwar constituency until the disposal of his appeal. However, the court restrained him from participating in Assembly proceedings during the pendency of the case.
ED probe and arrest
The case took another turn when the Enforcement Directorate initiated a probe into allegations that proceeds from the illegal iron ore exports were laundered. On August 13 and 14, 2025, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Sail in Karwar, Goa, Mumbai and Delhi.
During these raids, officials reportedly seized documents, large amounts of cash and gold jewellery. The seized materials were transported in trunks, and the searches once again caused a political stir in the state.
On September 9, 2025, Sail was arrested by ED officials at their Bengaluru office while he was present for questioning in the money-laundering case. At that time, he became the third Congress MLA to be arrested by central investigating agencies in a short span.
While in judicial custody, Sail’s health reportedly worsened, prompting the submission of medical reports before the court stating that a liver transplant was urgently required. It was against this backdrop that the High Court granted him medical bail, while directing him to strictly comply with all conditions imposed.
The court also clarified that the interim medical bail earlier granted to him would continue until a certified copy of the present order is made available.
Conditions Imposed by the High Court
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Satish Sail must execute a personal bond of ₹5 lakh with one surety.
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He must inform the court before leaving the jurisdiction of the trial court.
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He is required to submit periodic updates on his medical condition to the court every eight weeks.
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Details regarding the liver transplant must be furnished within two weeks.
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He shall not influence prosecution witnesses or tamper with evidence.
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He must not engage in any act that hampers the ongoing trial.
The High Court has reiterated that while medical bail has been granted on humanitarian grounds, the legal proceedings against Sail will continue in accordance with law.
