The Madhya Pradesh High Court has cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to retired judge Giribala Singh, accused in the case of her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma's death. The order came after the Court found material indicating specific allegations against Singh and noted concerns arising from the post-mortem findings. The development assumes significance as it reflects judicial scrutiny of hurried bail orders in sensitive cases involving allegations of domestic violence and dowry harassment.
Twisha Sharma, a Noida resident, was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, just months after marrying Advocate Samarth Singh. Her family accused the husband and in-laws of sustained harassment and abuse, leading to registration of a criminal case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Giribala Singh, currently serving as president of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madhya Pradesh, had secured anticipatory bail from a sessions court within days of the FIR. The order was challenged by Sharma’s father and the State government, which argued that the trial court ignored crucial material, including messages sent by the deceased and allegations directly naming the mother-in-law.
Justice Devnarayan Mishra observed that the case diary, witness statements and electronic communications disclosed allegations extending beyond the husband. The Court also took note of the medical evidence showing multiple ante-mortem injuries on the deceased’s body apart from death by hanging. Referring to the post-mortem findings, the Court recorded that “six other injuries were found in the body of the deceased” and clarified that these injuries were not caused while removing the body or shifting it to the hospital.
The Court further noted submissions alleging that media interactions by the accused could influence witnesses and shape the public narrative surrounding the case. Holding that the anticipatory bail order had overlooked relevant facts, the Court quashed the protection granted to Giribala Singh.
Source PTI
Picture Source :