Twisha Sharma Case: SG Mehta Questions Ex-Judge's Quick Bail

The tragic death of 33-year-old former model and actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal has escalated into a high-profile national case, drawing the attention of the Supreme Court and leading to the involvement of the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta. Twisha was found dead at her matrimonial home on May 12, 2026, just five months after her marriage to lawyer Samarth Singh. Her family has leveled serious allegations of dowry harassment, mental cruelty, and abetment to suicide against her husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, retired district judge Giribala Singh. Central to the unfolding legal drama is the anticipatory bail granted to Giribala Singh by a Bhopal sessions court on May 15, 2026, just a day after the bail plea was filed and shortly after the FIR was registered. This swift grant of bail, particularly to an individual who is a retired judicial officer and currently heads the Bhopal District Consumer Commission, has been vehemently challenged by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, Mehta has argued before the High Court that the anticipatory bail was granted in an 'extremely hurried manner' and without due consideration of the gravity of the allegations, especially those involving dowry death where statutory presumptions apply. Mehta has also highlighted Giribala Singh's alleged lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation, stating that she has not appeared for official questioning despite multiple notices. He further criticized her for purportedly giving interviews to media channels and 'maligning the deceased's character,' which he argued could influence public perception and potential witnesses. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken cognizance of these arguments, with both the state government and Twisha's father, Navnidhi Sharma, filing petitions to seek the cancellation of Giribala Singh's anticipatory bail. The High Court has reserved its verdict on these pleas. Meanwhile, Twisha's husband, Samarth Singh, had initially remained absconding for approximately ten days after the FIR was filed against him and his mother under sections relating to dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. He later surrendered or was arrested and has since been remanded to CBI custody, intensifying the investigation. The Bar Council of India has also taken action, suspending Samarth Singh from legal practice with immediate effect. The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu (on its own motion) cognizance of the case, expressing its 'pain' over the handling of the investigation and calling for a fair, independent, and impartial probe. The apex court also issued directions for media restraint in reporting details of the case, aiming to preserve the integrity of the legal process from public commentary and speculation. Following the state government's recommendation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the probe, registering a fresh FIR against both Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh. A team of doctors from AIIMS Delhi also conducted a second autopsy on Twisha's body in Bhopal, responding to concerns raised by her family about the initial post-mortem examination and alleged procedural lapses. Allegations against Giribala Singh extend beyond dowry harassment to include claims of attempting to influence the investigation by contacting senior officials, members of the judiciary, and CCTV technicians immediately after Twisha's death. The case highlights critical issues concerning the justice system, potential abuse of power, and the challenges faced by victims' families in high-profile cases, resonating deeply with concerns about women's safety and the rule of law in India. The prompt intervention of central agencies and higher judiciary underscores the national significance and the imperative for a transparent and unbiased resolution.

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