Twisha Sharma SC hearing Highlights: Divorced daughter better than dead one – What MP govt said in Twisha case

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A specialised Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, comprising several senior officers, is departing today for Bhopal to officially take over the investigation into the Twisha Sharma death case. Upon arrival, the CBI team will retrieve all case-related documents and evidence from the local police. The federal agency will then re-register the case under its own jurisdiction to begin a fresh, independent probe into the matter.

In a significant development during the hearing of the Twisha Sharma death case, the Supreme Court noted that a strong narrative had been created, suggesting a fair and impartial investigation was being undermined due to the involvement of the judiciary.

In its formal order, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the victim's family has alleged undue influence over the local probe, specifically because the mother-in-law of the deceased is a former district judge. However, the apex court also highlighted that certain key developments have occurred in the matter since it took independent suo motu cognisance of the case, indicating a shift in the investigation's trajectory.

While hearing the death case of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma on Monday, the Supreme Court urged the media not to sensationalise the matter. 

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, asked the media publications not to hand out statements of family members in public.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday observed that it is highly unfortunate that allegations of judicial influence over the investigation have emerged simply because the victim's mother-in-law is a former district judge.

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that 33-year-old actor-model Twisha Sharma died an unfortunate, unnatural death, noting that it is a clear case of a young girl losing her life either by suicide or through criminal means.

Highlighting the tragic nature of the incident, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked that for parents, it is always better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one. While acknowledging the immense trauma the tragedy has brought upon the victim's family, the apex court expressed its deep sympathy for the near and dear ones but emphasised that there is a strict procedure under the law that must be followed.

Citing an investigative article by India Today in its formal order, the Supreme Court ultimately stated that it does not need to pass any fresh operational directions at this current juncture, as the state government has already proposed a transfer of the case to an independent investigative agency.

Urging a fair and impartial trial in Twisha Sharma's death case after calling the death unfortunate, the Supreme Court on Monday asked both families (Twisha's paternal and matrimonial) not to make public statements, taking a dig at each other.

Earlier, it was alleged that Twisha's mother-in-law made several statements, assassinating the victim's character. The matter was raised in today's hearing.

Calling the death of Twisha Sharma an unfortunate incident, the Supreme Court said that a fair and impartial trial needs to occur in the death case.

The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, while hearing the suo motu death case of Twisha Sharma, said that the CBI needs to take over the probe immediately. 

He also said that he would speak to the CBI director personally.

He further added that the judiciary has faith in the state agencies and does not consider them incompetent. However, since a narrative has been created, it is important that an independent agency should take it over.

The hearing of Twisha Sharma's dowry death case has begun in the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant appreciated Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to allow second autopsy.

On the Supreme Court registering a Suo Motu case over the alleged dowry death of Twisha Sharma, her father, Navnidhi Singh, said that it was a very good step taken by the apex court. 

"This is a very good step. Heartfelt gratitude to the CJI for taking cognisance of this case. This will set a precedent, strengthen people's trust in the system, and today is a big day with three hearings. We hope the process of justice moves forward. There has already been significant tampering. The crime scene was left open, evidence was compromised, and even after anticipatory bail, videography was conducted at the massage parlour. It is clearly visible that an attempt is being made to manipulate the narrative and present a designed version before the world. I trust the investigating agency will expose the truth. I had requested yesterday as well that a CBI probe should begin immediately so that whatever evidence remains can still help the investigation move forward," he said. 

The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu (independent) notice of the alleged dowry death of 33-year-old actor-model Twisha Sharma. The apex court registered the case following media reports highlighting potential "institutional bias and procedural discrepancies" in the ongoing investigation. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, is set to hear the matter.

HIGH-PROFILE ACCUSED AND DOWRY ALLEGATIONS

Twisha was found dead on May 12 at her marital home in Bhopal’s Katara Hills. Following her death, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against her husband, Samarth Singh, a practising lawyer, and her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a former district judge who currently chairs the Bhopal District Consumer Court. Both face allegations of severe dowry harassment.

MAIN SUSPECT ARRESTED, LEGAL LICENCE SUSPENDED

After evading law enforcement for ten days, Samarth Singh was arrested upon attempting to surrender at the Jabalpur district court. He has since been remanded to seven-day police custody. Recognising the severity of the situation, the Bar Council of India (BCI) suspended Singh's legal license with immediate effect, stating that the grave accusations tarnish the public image of the legal profession.

CO-ACCUSED MOTHER-IN-LAW UNDER SCRUTINY

While Bhopal Police issued a third and final notice to Giribala Singh for failing to record her statement, she claims investigators have not yet approached her. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice seeking the cancellation of her anticipatory bail, demanding a formal response.

AIIMS DELHI ORDERED TO CONDUCT SECOND AUTOPSY

In response to a petition filed by Twisha's parents, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a second post-mortem examination. A specialised four-member medical team from AIIMS Delhi has been designated to conduct the independent procedure to ensure an unbiased forensic evaluation.