BCI Suspends Advocate Samarth Singh’s Licence Amid Probe Into Wife Twisha Sharma’s Death

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended advocate Samarth Singh from legal practice with immediate effect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of his wife, Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor who was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal earlier this month. The decision comes amid mounting scrutiny over the case, allegations of dowry harassment, and parallel proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

In an order issued on Friday, the apex statutory body regulating the legal profession in India directed that Singh shall not appear, act, plead, file vakalatnamas, or otherwise hold himself out as entitled to practise law before any court, tribunal, authority or forum in the country until further orders. The suspension is interim in nature and will remain in force pending further consideration by the Bar Council and its disciplinary mechanisms.

The BCI’s action follows the registration of criminal proceedings against Singh in connection with the death of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her residence in Bhopal on May 12, barely a few months after her marriage. Investigators are probing allegations relating to dowry harassment, cruelty and allied offences raised by Sharma’s family. The case has attracted widespread public attention because Singh is a practising advocate and his mother, Giribala Singh, is a retired judicial officer.

According to the Bar Council, the allegations levelled against Singh are of a serious nature and have a direct bearing on the dignity and image of the legal profession. The Council observed that advocates occupy a special position as officers of the court and members of a regulated profession, making it necessary for the institution to act whenever allegations threaten public confidence in the justice delivery system.

The development came on the same day that Singh appeared before a court in Jabalpur after remaining untraceable for several days following the registration of the case. His appearance followed proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where his counsel informed the court that he was willing to surrender before the competent authority. Police subsequently took him into custody for further investigation.

The investigation has witnessed several dramatic developments over the past week. Earlier, Singh had sought anticipatory bail in connection with the case after a sessions court denied him protection from arrest. However, during proceedings before the High Court, his side indicated willingness to surrender, leading to a significant shift in the course of the matter.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered a second post-mortem examination of Twisha Sharma after her family raised concerns regarding the initial autopsy and sought a more comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. The family has consistently maintained that Sharma was subjected to mental and physical harassment after marriage and has questioned the fairness of the investigation.

The case has also triggered calls for an independent probe. During recent hearings, the State indicated that it was considering handing the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), while the High Court has continued to monitor developments closely. The family has alleged procedural lapses and has sought accountability from all authorities involved in the investigation.

Public attention on the matter intensified after details regarding Sharma’s personal communications and allegations of dowry-related harassment emerged during the investigation. Authorities had also issued lookout measures and intensified efforts to trace Singh during the period when he was reportedly unavailable to investigating agencies.

The BCI’s intervention marks one of the most significant professional consequences arising from the case so far. While the suspension does not amount to a finding of guilt, it reflects the regulator’s view that the seriousness of the allegations warrants immediate preventive action to preserve the integrity of the profession pending the outcome of disciplinary and criminal proceedings. The criminal investigation into Sharma’s death continues, with authorities expected to pursue further custodial interrogation and forensic examination following the latest judicial directions.