SC on Twisha Sharma Death Case: “Better to Have a Divorced Daughter Than a Dead One”

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday heard a suo motu case related to the death of 32-year-old actor-model Twisha Sharma at her matrimonial home in Madhya Pradesh amid allegations of institutional bias, procedural irregularities, and lapses in the investigation.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, heard the matter, which the court registered as “In Re: Alleged Institutional Bias and Procedural Discrepancies in the Unnatural Death of a Young Girl at Her Matrimonial Home.” The apex court took cognisance of the case based on media reports and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked that “it is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one,” while addressing concerns linked to marital disputes and the circumstances leading to Twisha’s death.

Twisha Sharma, a resident of Noida, married Bhopal-based lawyer Samarth Singh in December 2025. Authorities found her dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, barely five months after the wedding.

Her family accused Samarth Singh and his mother, retired district judge Giribala Singh, of dowry harassment, mental and physical abuse, and murder. The accused have denied the allegations and maintained that Twisha died by suicide.

The case has attracted nationwide attention over allegations of delays in filing the FIR, inconsistencies in the initial post-mortem report, questions surrounding CCTV footage, and claims of undue influence on the investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing the case.

Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a second post-mortem to be conducted by a specialised team from AIIMS Delhi, citing concerns over the first autopsy and the need to maintain public confidence in the investigation. The court directed officials to videograph the procedure. Questions have also been raised about injuries noted in the initial examination, forensic procedures, and the handling of alleged ligature material.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has sought cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to Giribala Singh. The matter is also scheduled for a hearing before the Jabalpur High Court.

Samarth Singh surrendered before the police on Friday after allegedly remaining untraceable for several days following the incident. A Bhopal court subsequently remanded him to seven days of police custody in connection with offences related to dowry death and harassment. The court also ordered the seizure of his passport.

Investigators plan to question him about the circumstances surrounding Twisha’s death, WhatsApp communications, and allegations made by her family. Police have also issued notices to Giribala Singh, who claimed she had not received them but expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

The controversy has intensified after several public remarks attributed to Giribala Singh drew criticism. Twisha’s family alleged that a purported audio clip featured the retired judge making comments about her daughter-in-law’s character. Giribala Singh also claimed in media interviews that Twisha had undergone psychiatric treatment and struggled with substance abuse. The victim’s family has strongly disputed those allegations.