Madhya Pradesh High Court adjourns hearing on anticipatory bail in Twisha Sharma dowry death case

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on May 25 adjourned the hearing on petitions challenging the anticipatory bail granted to retired District Judge Giribala Singh, who is accused of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide in the death of her daughter‑in‑law, model‑actress Twisha Sharma. The bail, granted on May 15, is being contested by Twisha’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, and the state government, each filing separate pleas. The bench directed that a copy of the petition be supplied to Singh and set a new hearing date for May 27, while also issuing notice to her.

Twisha Sharma, 33, was found hanging in her marital home in Bhopal on May 12, six months after her marriage. Her family alleges cruelty and dowry demands by her husband, lawyer Samarth Singh, and the mother‑in‑law. The Bar Council of India has suspended the husband’s licence, and the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance, vowing a fair CBI probe. A second post‑mortem ordered by the High Court is being conducted by an AIIMS Delhi team to address concerns about injuries and toxicology.

The case has drawn criticism over the rapid grant of bail, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urging a swift hearing, and the court noting the need for a thorough investigation.