MP High Court cancels anticipatory bail of Twisha Sharma’s Mother-In-Law in Dowry Death Case

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has cancelled the anticipatory bail granted to Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh, in connection with a dowry death case, marking a major development in the ongoing investigation.

Justice Devnarayan Mishra passed the order after hearing arguments from both sides, observing that the allegations against the accused included serious claims supported by statements and digital evidence.

The Court noted that Twisha Sharma’s family had made specific allegations not only against her husband but also against her mother-in-law. It also referred to WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by the deceased prior to her death, which contained references to harassment.

The post-mortem report, as noted by the Court, indicated that the cause of death was antemortem hanging. However, it also recorded multiple injuries on the body, including wounds on the arm and head, which were not consistent with post-death handling, raising further questions in the case.

The Court observed that these factors, along with the gravity of the allegations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Dowry Prohibition Act, warranted reconsideration of the earlier bail granted by the trial court.

Giribala Singh, who is a retired judge and currently serves as the president of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madhya Pradesh, had been granted anticipatory bail by a sessions court earlier in May. That order has now been quashed by the High Court.

The Court also took note of arguments presented by the State and the complainant’s side, which alleged procedural lapses in granting bail and concerns over public statements made by the accused that could potentially influence the investigation.

The defence argued that there was no justification for custodial interrogation and highlighted her age and cooperation with authorities. However, the High Court ruled in favour of cancelling bail after considering the overall circumstances.

The case stems from the death of Twisha Sharma, a Noida-based woman who had married a Bhopal-based lawyer after meeting him through a dating app and was found dead at her residence in May. Her family has alleged dowry harassment and foul play, prompting a detailed investigation and multiple legal proceedings.

Further investigation in the case is ongoing, with courts also directing additional forensic review and procedural scrutiny.