Twisha Sharma SC hearing highlights: Supreme Court ‘pained’ over death case, CBI to take over probe

Twisha Sharma SC hearing LIVE: Twisha Sharma, 33, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12, with her family accusing her in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. Her in-laws, however, claimed she suffered from drug addiction.

The police have registered an FIR against the woman's husband, Samarth Singh, a lawyer, and her mother-in-law, former district judge Giribala Singh, on charges of dowry harassment.

Twisha Sharma SC hearing Live: Here are the top updates from hearing:

SC pained over coverage: "We are slightly at pain because of some of the actions. We will request our media friends to not go for the statements of the victim's family or the other family. Let the things move as per law and procedure," said CJI Kant.

SC orders CBI to take over case: “The only issue as of now survives for consideration is consent to the recommendation for CBI probe,” the bench said in its order.

SG Mehta's big remark: During the hearing, SG Tushar Mehta also remarks that “it is better to have a divorced daughter, than to face such an unfortunate incident.”

Court ensures impartial investigation: Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra who appeared for the Sharma family, raised concerns of "institutional bias" and raised the matter of a delay in the original FIR as the court ordered a CBI probe. However, the Supreme Court assured that the family will get an “impartial investigation.”

SC's request to media: While urging family members to first record their statements with the concerned authorities, the Supreme Court also requested media to avoid recording statements of people who are potential witnesses. “This shall avoid unnecessary premature impression of outcomes on certain issues which have to be investigated,” the order added.

Twisha Sharma's husband, Samarth Singh, who had allegedly been absconding for several days after the incident, surrendered before the police on Friday and was remanded to seven days of police custody by a Bhopal court on Saturday in connection with offences relating to dowry death and harassment.

The court also ordered the seizure of his passport. Investigators said he would be questioned regarding the circumstances surrounding Twisha’s death, WhatsApp chats and allegations levelled by her family.

Police have also issued notices to Giribala, though she has claimed she did not receive them and said she was willing to cooperate with investigators.

Twisha Sharma SC hearing LIVE: A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the media to exercise restraint while reporting developments in the case.

"We are slightly in pain because of some of the actions. We will request our media friends to not go for the statements of the victim's family or the other family. Let the things move as per law and procedure

Victim's advocate Piyush Tiwari said, "Today, a cancellation of bail petition is listed. It has been filed by Navniti Sharma, who is Twisha’s father, against the anticipatory bail granted to Girivala Singh by the Bhopal court on the 15th. We have filed the cancellation petition, and the government has also filed a similar petition. Both matters have been clubbed together and will be heard simultaneously. The Court has scheduled the hearing for 2:30 PM, and the matter will be taken up at that time."

Twisha Sharma, 33, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12, with her family accusing her in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. Her in-laws, however, claimed she suffered from drug addiction.

The police have registered an FIR against the woman's husband, Samarth Singh, a lawyer, and her mother-in-law, former district judge Giribala Singh, on charges of dowry harassment.

Twisha's husband, Samarth Singh, has failed to answer several questions being asked by the SIT, while investigators also appear unconvinced by some of the answers he has given, NDTV reported, quoting sources.

Samarth Singh is not cooperating with investigators and is currently being questioned in seven-day police custody, sources added.

The SIT probing the case wants answers to every aspect linked to the sequence of events surrounding Twisha's death. However, sources say Samarth Singh has also been trying to evade several police questions.

Investigators believe it is crucial to establish where Samarth Singh took shelter and remained hidden during the last 10 days.

The CBI is set to take over the investigation into the death of Twisha Sharma, who was found hanging at her marital home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12, PTI reported, quoting officials.

The agency has already sent a team to Bhopal. It will take over the probe from the state police and collect all the evidence and documents related to the case, they said.

Instead of making statements on media platforms, get them recorded in front of the investigating agencies

The media should avoid statements of people who are likely to be potential witnesses and accused

Don't pre-judge the issue

We have not expressed any opinions on the merits of the case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to file a case in Twisha Sharma's death today.

MP police have begun detailed questioning of retired judge Giribala Singh and her lawyer son Samarth Singh in connection with the death of his wife Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry, officials said on Monday.

The information provided by the two accused is being verified, they said, adding that no conclusion has been reached so far.

Samarth Singh, who is currently in police custody, has apparently told investigators that their relations turned sour after Twisha became pregnant, according to PTI sources.

The questioning by police comes even as the Madhya Pradesh government has recommended a CBI probe into the Twisha Sharma case, which has triggered widespread public attention.

The Supreme Court has concluded the hearing in the Twisha Sharma ‘dowry’ death case. The probe will be handed over to the CBI

Supreme Court: While making these observations, it is clarified that we have not expressed any opinion on any of the allegations or otherwise, and it is entirely on the investigating agency to look into the different aspects.

Supreme Court: We also request the media to avoid recording statements of persons who are likely to be potential witnesses, as it may unnecessarily impact the outcomes on certain issues which are to be investigated. We also request the public that they should refrain from speculation and to have trust and faith in one of the premier investigating agency. We are sure that in due course of time it will take the investigation to a conclusion.

Supreme Court: SG Mehta informs that second autopsy was conducted at Bhopal pursuant to directions of the MP High Court. The only issue as of now for our consideration is the recommendations made by the state of MP to hand over the investigation to the CBI.

“SG Mehta has assured us that he will take up the matter with the authorities to ensure that the CBI immediately takes over the investigation,” the court said.

“We would like to impress upon the family members of the victim as well as the accused that instead of making statements in the public or before media platform they should get their versions recorded before the investigating agency so that no prejudice or adverse impact is had on the ongoing investigation,” it added.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta: Without attributing motives to either side, the moral of the story is clear that it is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one

CJI: Whatever the unfortunate incident has taken place it must be fairly and independently and impartially investigated. There were doubts that both sides are also going to the media. It is our request that, whatever statement you want to make, please make it before the authority, that is, the investigating agency. We can't do anything but request the media not to go for a recording of the statement of the victim's family or reduce their pain into sound bytes.

CJI: We are against the narrative that is being created cause accused is an ex-judge. That is why CBI should take it over

CJI: we are slightly at pain because of some of the actions. We will request our media friends to not go for the statements of the victims family or the other family. Let the things move as per law and procedure.

Twisha Sharma SC hearing LIVE: The Supreme Court has begun hearing Twisha Sharma's case. Follow this blog for latest updates.

Twisha Sharma SC hearing LIVE: The case will be heard by a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi.

The apex court took cognisance based on media reports and surrounding circumstances linked

Twisha Sharma SC hearing LIVE: Congress leader Mumtaz Patel raised concerns over Twisha's death and said the conduct and behaviour of her mother-in-law, Judge Giriwala, appeared "very shocking", adding that it gave the impression that the victim was "very sad".

Speaking to ANI, Patel said, "The attitude of her mother-in-law, Judge Giriwala, was very shocking. Her attitude, her reasoning and her body language made me believe that somewhere Twisha was very sad. Now the case will proceed; today, it is being done from another angle as well."

She also said, "Whether it is murder or not, the court will decide, but she has been driven in whatever way to die. I often blame women, also because somewhere women also carry forward this condition of theirs and then apply it to their daughters or their daughters-in-law... unless this mindset changes, the society will not change... women should come forward... what happens in this case remains to be seen, but we sincerely hope and pray that Twisha gets the justice she deserves."

While the Supreme Court has not given any specific time for taking the Twisha Sharma death case hearing scheduled for today, it is expected in the first half before 12 noon.

In the ongoing investigation into the alleged dowry death of Twisha Sharma, Gyanendra Sharma, the advocate for the accused Samarth Singh, has claimed that the family is fully cooperating with the authorities and maintains that the incident was a suicide.

Speaking on the current status of the case, Advocate Gyanendra Sharma said, "On 12 May, Twisha Sharma's suicide was reported. Legal formalities followed. The case is now under CBI investigation, and a second post-mortem is being conducted. The family has no objection, wanting the truth to come out."

Regarding the accused's legal standing, the advocate clarified that Samarth Singh has surrendered to the law.

"Samarth's bail was rejected, he surrendered, and proceedings continue in Jabalpur. As far as Giribala Singh's bail is concerned, the matter is pending in court. She has cooperated with no allegations in her long judicial career," he added.

The defence has categorically dismissed the allegations of dowry harassment that have been levelled against the family.

Gyanendra Sharma stated, "The family denies dowry-related accusations, calling them baseless. Both families are educated and come from strong backgrounds. The couple met through a matrimonial site. The Supreme Court has taken cognisance, and the family hopes for justice."

Providing a timeline of the night of the incident based on available evidence, the advocate claimed that CCTV footage supports the family's version of events.

"As CCTV footage shows, Samarth, his mother, and Twisha were sitting in the hall around 8:30-9:00 pm on 12 May. Twisha later went upstairs after speaking to her mother on the phone. Later, family members found her hanging," Sharma said.

He further described the immediate reaction of Samarth Singh upon discovering his wife.

"Samarth tried to lift her down, called his mother and the house help, attempted CPR, and rushed her to the hospital. Police were informed immediately," the advocate said.

Addressing reports that the accused had attempted to evade the police, Sharma stated that Samarth was merely following legal recourse.

"The family members are cooperating with the investigation team. Allegations that Samarth absconded are incorrect. He pursued anticipatory bail under legal provisions before surrendering," he concluded.