Twisha Sharma death case: MP High Court cancels bail of former judge Giribala Singh

BHOPAL: In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has quashed the anticipatory bail granted to former district judge Giribala Singh in connection with the dowry death case of her daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma.

The order, delivered on Wednesday, set aside the relief earlier extended by the lower court, through the May 15 order, observing that crucial materials from the case diary and witness statements had not been adequately considered before granting bail.

Justice Devnarayan Mishra revoked the anticipatory bail earlier granted by a Bhopal sessions court, observing that the lower court failed to adequately examine crucial evidence, including case diaries, witness testimonies, and WhatsApp conversations.

High Court, after reviewing the matter, found that the order suffered from serious infirmities. The bench noted that the trial court had overlooked vital witness testimonies and documentary evidence contained in the case diary, which pointed towards Singh's alleged involvement.

The High Court emphasised that anticipatory bail in such sensitive cases must be granted only after a thorough and cautious examination of all materials, especially when the charges involve dowry death -- a grave social evil that continues to plague society.

Earlier, a lower court had granted anticipatory bail to Singh, citing her age and professional standing. However, the cancellation of bail has sent ripples across legal and social circles, given Singh's stature as a former judge.

The investigation revolves around grave accusations of domestic cruelty, the forced termination of a pregnancy, and physical assault that ultimately led to a death within the family's residence in Katara Hills locality of Bhopal.

With the anticipatory relief now cancelled, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to move forward with taking her into custody.