Bhopal Court Refuses Bail for Retired Judge Giribala Singh in Twisha Sharma Dowry‑Death Case

Twisha Sharma, a model‑turned‑actress, was found dead at her marital home in Katara Hills, Bhopal, on May 12, about five months after marrying advocate Samarth Singh – the son of retired judge Giribala Singh. Her death set off a chain of legal actions that has now landed the former judge behind bars, at least for the time being.

When Giribala Singh applied for bail, the special court didn’t rush to grant it. Instead, the bench – now presided over by Special Judge Ram Pratap Mishra after Judge Neelam Shukla recused herself – took a hard look at the charge sheet, the evidence already gathered and, frankly, the broader implications of letting a person accused of a serious crime walk free.

The court’s main reasoning hinged on three points. First, the offence alleged – dowry death under Section 80(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita – is among the gravest crimes, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Second, investigators have already seized a trail of WhatsApp chats, call‑detail records and statements from Twisha’s relatives that, according to the prosecution, tie the retired judge to the case. Third, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is now handling the probe, warned that Singh’s release could lead to witnesses being swayed, evidence being tampered with, or the investigation being otherwise obstructed.

“The apprehension expressed by the objector and the investigating agency that, if the applicant/accused is granted the benefit of bail, the evidence may be influenced cannot be said to be unfounded,” the judgment read. In other words, the court bought the CBI’s fear that Singh, with her legal know‑how and connections, might meddle with the process.

The defence, however, painted a different picture. Lawyers argued that Singh is an elderly woman – 79 years old – battling health issues that supposedly make jail untenable. They also highlighted that her mother, nearing a century of age, depends on her. On top of that, they claimed that Singh’s residence was burgled while she was in custody, hinting at further victimisation.

Even with those humanising details, the bench was unconvinced. Medical records presented did not reveal a condition severe enough to merit release, and the court noted that adequate treatment can be provided within judicial custody. The magistrate also reminded everyone that the investigation is still ongoing; the case diary, according to the court, already contains material “sufficient to indicate the accused’s alleged involvement.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the CBI accused Singh of trying to influence the probe by contacting a CCTV technician and a salon operator linked to the case, and even attempting to secure CCTV footage through a private representative. Moreover, Singh allegedly refused to give a voice sample when asked.

On the other side, the defence pointed out that Singh receives a regular salary and a war‑widow’s pension, and that she has cooperated with investigators, denying any dowry demand. Yet the court concluded that these arguments did not outweigh the seriousness of the allegations or the risks identified by the investigating agency.

It’s worth noting that the FIR filed against both Samarth Singh and his father lists charges of dowry death, cruelty and violations of the Dowry Prohibition Act. The post‑mortem report mentioned ante‑mortem hanging as the cause of death, along with several minor injuries that could be consistent with blunt‑force trauma – a detail that has kept the case in the headlines.

While the bail plea has been rejected, the judgment makes it clear that this is not a declaration of guilt. The matter now returns to the CBI’s investigative net, and the courts will decide the final verdict after all evidence is weighed.

For anyone following the saga, the key take‑away is that the court, faced with a high‑profile dowry‑death allegation involving a former judge, chose caution over compassion, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the investigation above all else.