Twisha Sharma Death Case: MP High Court Issues Notice On Pleas Challenging Anticipatory Bail Granted To Giribala Singh

The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday issued notice on petitions challenging the anticipatory bail granted to retired judicial officer Giribala Singh, the mother-in-law of deceased woman Twisha Sharma, in a case that has triggered widespread public attention and renewed focus on allegations of dowry-related harassment and death.

Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh was hearing two separate challenges to the order granting pre-arrest protection to Singh. While one petition has been filed by Sharma's father, the State of Madhya Pradesh has also independently approached the High Court seeking quashing of the order dated May 15 by which anticipatory bail was granted to the accused.

Twisha Sharma, aged 33, was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12. Following her death, police registered an FIR invoking Sections 80(2), 85 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (corresponding to Sections 304-B, 498-A and 34 of the IPC) along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

The challenge to the bail order comes at a crucial stage of the investigation, with the prosecution contending that custodial and investigative requirements remain significant and that the trial court extended protection without adequately examining the circumstances of the case.

Appearing for the State, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, assisted by Advocate General Prashant Singh, Additional Advocate General Harpreet Singh Ruprah, Government Advocates Amit Pandey and L.A.S. Baghel, urged the High Court to intervene and set aside the anticipatory bail order. According to the order passed by the High Court, Mehta argued that anticipatory bail had been granted by the trial court "in a very hurried manner".

To support the submission, the Solicitor General drew the Court's attention to the sequence of events. He pointed out that Sharma's death allegedly occurred on the night of May 12, the post-mortem examination was conducted on May 13, the anticipatory bail application was moved on May 14 and the relief was granted the very next day on May 15. The State's argument suggests that the speed with which the application was decided left little room for a comprehensive appreciation of the facts emerging during the early stages of the investigation.

During the hearing, Mehta further submitted that the trial court had granted relief "without looking at anything" and failed to consider material aspects relevant to the grant of anticipatory bail in a serious offence involving allegations of dowry death. He argued that an important circumstance overlooked by the court was the position occupied by the accused, who is a retired judge.

The Solicitor General also criticised the absence of substantive findings in the order granting protection. According to the submissions recorded before the High Court, the trial court did not adequately explain the basis on which anticipatory bail was considered appropriate despite the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing nature of the investigation.

As the High Court expressed its inclination to issue notice, Mehta sought urgent consideration of the matter. Stressing that the investigation was presently at a critical stage, he requested that the challenge be listed at the earliest opportunity. He also raised concerns regarding the possibility of evidence being tampered with and urged the Court to ensure that the proceedings did not impede investigative efforts.

Accepting the request for expedition, Justice Singh directed issuance of notice to Giribala Singh and made the notice returnable on May 25. The Court also directed that notice be served upon the respondent on payment of process fee and fixed the matter for hearing at 2:30 pm on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Case Title: The State of Madhya Pradesh v. Smt. Giribala Singh

Date of Order: May 22, 2026

Bench: Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh