The Supreme Court on Monday took up the highly sensitive Twisha Sharma death case, directing that the investigation be carried out in a fair, independent and impartial manner while cautioning both the victim's family and the accused against making public statements that could influence the probe.
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old model and actor and former Miss Pune originally from Noida, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12, barely five months after marrying lawyer Samarth Singh. Her family has accused her husband and in-laws, including retired district judge Giribala Singh, of dowry harassment, abetment to suicide and attempting to influence the investigation. The accused family has denied the allegations and claimed Twisha was battling personal issues and drug addiction.
The matter was heard by a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. The case was listed under the title concerning "alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home."
During the hearing, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and made strong observations regarding the need for an unbiased investigation. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court had full faith in the investigating agencies, including the CBI, and stressed that the truth would emerge through due process.
"The mother-in-law is a former district judge, and it is unfortunate that it is being said that judiciary is not permitting a fair trial. We have no doubt that whoever investigates the matter will take it to its logical conclusion and find the truth," the CJI observed.
The bench also expressed concern over both sides approaching the media. The court urged the victim's family, accused persons and potential witnesses to refrain from making public statements and instead record their versions before the investigating agencies.
"It is our request that whatever statement you want to make, please make it before the investigating authority. We request the media not to convert the pain of the victim's family into sound bites," the CJI said.
The Supreme Court further clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations and that all aspects of the case would be examined independently by investigators.
The hearing came amid growing public outrage and allegations that influential individuals connected to the accused family were attempting to influence the investigation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would soon take over the probe. The Madhya Pradesh government had already recommended a CBI inquiry into the matter.
Meanwhile, the SIT and Bhopal Police continued questioning Samarth Singh and his mother Giribala Singh. Samarth Singh, who was arrested in Jabalpur after remaining absconding for 10 days following Twisha's death, is currently in seven-day police custody. Sources said investigators are not satisfied with several of his answers and believe he has been evasive during questioning.
The SIT is trying to reconstruct the sequence of events surrounding Twisha's death and establish where Samarth Singh stayed while he was allegedly absconding. Investigators are also examining digital evidence, call records and WhatsApp chats connected to the case.
Police officials said Samarth Singh has told investigators that his relationship with Twisha deteriorated after she became pregnant. His statements are being cross-verified with evidence and the statements of other accused persons.
Twisha's cousin Ashish Sharma alleged that the accused family continued attempting to use its influence even after the case gained national attention. He said Samarth Singh showed "no emotions" during court proceedings and expressed hope that the CBI probe would deliver justice.
The Madhya Pradesh government also made a strong statement before the Supreme Court, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta saying the case carried an important message for society: "Better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one."
Mehta also referred to messages allegedly sent by Twisha before her death, stating that "she was living in hell." However, Chief Justice Surya Kant responded by emphasising that legal procedures and due process must still be followed despite public emotions surrounding the case.
Police have registered an FIR against Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh on charges related to dowry harassment. However, investigators have clarified that it would be premature to draw final conclusions at this stage and that the probe remains ongoing.
Adding another major development to the case, a team of forensic experts from AIIMS Delhi conducted a second postmortem on Twisha Sharma's body following directions from the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Twisha's parents had raised concerns about alleged procedural lapses in the first postmortem conducted locally.
The AIIMS team also visited the scene of the incident and collected samples, photographs and video evidence. Dr Sudhir Gupta, Chief of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said laboratory examinations, including histopathology and viscera analysis, would take time before a final report could be prepared.
Following the second postmortem, Twisha Sharma's last rites were performed at Bhadbhada Vishram Ghat in Bhopal on Sunday evening.
The case has now become one of the most closely watched investigations in the country, drawing nationwide attention because of the serious allegations of dowry harassment, institutional influence and questions surrounding the fairness of the initial investigation.
