Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Bhopal Woman’s Death

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged unnatural death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who died within months of her marriage at her matrimonial home in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The apex court’s decision signals a significant intervention into the case, raising questions about institutional bias and procedural fairness.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that the matter has been listed before a Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for Monday, May 25. The suo motu case registered by the top court has been titled ‘In Re Alleged Institutional Bias and Procedural Discrepencies in the Unnatural Death of Young Woman at Matrimonial Home’.

Twisha Sharma, 33, was found dead by hanging at her in-laws’ residence in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal on May 12. Her death occurred barely five months after her marriage to advocate Samarth Singh. The circumstances surrounding her death have led to a police investigation, with her husband now being named as an accused in the case.

Advocate Samarth Singh was arrested on Friday after being on the run for over a week. He had reportedly withdrawn his anticipatory bail application that was filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Subsequently, he appeared before the Jabalpur District Court on Friday evening to surrender, where a team from the Bhopal police took him into custody.

In a significant development, the Bar Council of India (BCI), the statutory body responsible for regulating the legal profession in the country, announced on Friday the suspension of Samarth Singh’s license to practice law. The BCI’s order stated that Shri Samarth Singh is suspended from practice as an advocate with immediate effect. This suspension is pending further consideration by the Bar Council of India and/or its appropriate Disciplinary Committee. During the period of suspension, Singh is prohibited from appearing, acting, pleading, filing vakalatnama, or holding himself out as entitled to practice before any Court, Tribunal, Authority, or forum in India.

The registration of a suo motu case by the Supreme Court indicates a high level of concern within the judiciary regarding the details of Twisha Sharma’s death and the subsequent handling of the investigation. Suo motu powers allow the court to take up matters on its own initiative without a formal petition being filed by aggrieved parties, often when issues of significant public importance or gross injustice are brought to its attention.

The inclusion of ‘Alleged Institutional Bias and Procedural Discrepancies’ in the case title suggests that the Supreme Court will likely scrutinise the conduct of investigating agencies, the legal process followed, and any potential systemic issues that may have arisen. The court’s intervention could lead to a thorough re-examination of the evidence and procedures related to Twisha Sharma’s death, aiming to ensure that justice is served.

The tragic death of a young woman under such circumstances, compounded by the legal fraternity’s involvement, has drawn national attention. The suspension of the advocate’s license by the Bar Council of India further underscores the gravity of the allegations and the potential impact on the legal profession’s integrity. The Supreme Court’s engagement with the case is expected to set a precedent for how similar matters involving potential miscarriage of justice are addressed.

Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court’s suo motu action is a powerful demonstration of its role as the guardian of fundamental rights and a check on potential abuses of power within the justice system. The apex court’s detailed examination of the case will be closely watched, particularly concerning the implications for the investigation into Twisha Sharma’s death and the broader administration of justice.

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