Retired Judge Giribala Singh is an accused in her daughter-in-law Twisha Sharma’s death case over allegations of harassment, dowry demands.

Giribala Singh, a retired judge and accused in the death case of her daughter-in-law, lost her anticipatory bail in a late-night hearing by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Wednesday, during which the High Court cited non-cooperation in its order while the victim’s side highlighted character assassination in its argument.

In the hearing of the single bench, Justice Devanarayan Mishra observed consistent allegations, non-cooperation, heinous nature of the offense, and the trial court’s failure to consider evidence as main points to cancel the bail order given by Bhopal District Court on May 15.

Twisha Sharma, a woman in her 30s, was found dead on May 12 at her marital home in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal. Initially suspected to be a suicide, the death later led to an investigation with allegations against her husband, Samarth, and mother-in-law of harassment and dowry demands.

The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A first information report (FIR) was registered on May 15 in the case, and a trial court granted Giribala Singh interim bail within a few hours of the FIR registration, while her son Samarth, who surrendered after 10 days of being missing, remains in CBI custody.

Why Giribala Singh’s anticipatory bail was quashed

In the late-night hearing of the Madhya Pradesh High Court single bench, Justice Devanarayan Mishra observed consistent allegations, non-cooperation, heinous nature of the offense, and the trial court’s failure to consider evidence as main points to cancel the bail order given by Bhopal District Court on May 15.

“The anticipatory bail order by the 10th Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal, for the offense punishable under sections 80(2), 85, 3(5) of BNS, 2023 and Sections 3 & 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, is hereby quashed,” the earlier report quoted the court as saying.

After receiving anticipatory bail, Giribala Singh is not cooperating with the investigation agency, although several notices were issued to her for recording her statement and cooperating with the agency, the order read.

The High Court also noted that the lower court did not consider several key facts, such as WhatsApp chats, which suggest that the allegations are not only against Samarth Singh.

“It is also an admitted fact that the deceased became pregnant and it was terminated within two months. The complainant party has alleged against the accused, whereas Giribala Singh has submitted that the deceased herself was interested in terminating the pregnancy. From the WhatsApp chats also, it cannot be said that the allegations are only against Samarth Singh, but the trial court did not consider all these facts,” said the order.

On the claim of money transactions in Twisha’s account by Giribala Singh, the court said the marriage took place on December 9, 2025, and money transactions were made from October 2025 to February 2026, with no money transferred into the deceased’s account closer to her death.

“It cannot be said that Giribala Singh has transferred much money into the victim’s account, by which it could be presumed that there was no demand for dowry in light of the above factual aspects of the case and the allegations leveled against Giribala Singh,” it read.

Injury marks, ‘character maligned’

The court cited injury marks mentioned in the postmortem report. “As per the postmortem report, death was due to antemortem hanging by ligature, but from the postmortem, it is also clear that six other injuries were found in the body of the deceased, in which four injuries were on the left arm, one on the ring finger, and one on the head, and those were ant

Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court is the highest judicial body in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, with its principal seat in Jabalpur and additional benches in Indore and Gwalior. Established on January 1, 1949, under the Government of India Act of 1935, it succeeded the former Nagpur High Court and initially operated as the High Court of Madhya Bharat before the state’s reorganization in 1956. The court plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and administering justice across the state.

Bhopal District Court

The Bhopal District Court is a key judicial institution in Madhya Pradesh, India, situated in the state capital. Its history is notably tied to the aftermath of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, as the court became the primary legal venue for criminal proceedings and compensation cases related to the disaster. Today, it serves as the principal district-level court for Bhopal, handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters.

Bhopal

Bhopal, the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is known as the “City of Lakes” for its numerous natural and man-made water bodies. Founded in the 11th century by the Paramara king Bhoja, it was later ruled by the Afghan mercenary Dost Mohammad Khan in the 18th century, who established the Bhopal State. The city is also historically significant for the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, which has deeply shaped its modern identity.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is known as the “Heart of India” due to its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The region was home to ancient kingdoms like the Mauryas and Guptas, and later flourished under the Rajput and Mughal rulers, leaving behind iconic sites such as the Khajuraho temples and Sanchi Stupa. Today, it is celebrated for its diverse wildlife, including national parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh, as well as its vibrant traditions in art, music, and festivals.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India’s premier federal law enforcement agency, established in 1963 to investigate serious crimes, corruption, and cases of national importance. Its origins trace back to the Special Police Establishment (1941), which was created to handle corruption in wartime supply contracts. Headquartered in New Delhi, the CBI operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and is often referred to as the “Indian FBI.”

10th Additional Sessions Judge, Bhopal

The 10th Additional Sessions Judge in Bhopal is a judicial court within the district judiciary of Madhya Pradesh, India, handling serious criminal cases. Its history is tied to the broader evolution of Bhopal’s legal system, which developed after the city became part of independent India in 1956. The court operates under the supervision of the Bhopal District and Sessions Judge, contributing to the administration of justice in the region.