The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday issued a formal notice to retired judge Giribala Singh on petitions seeking the cancellation of her anticipatory bail. Singh has been booked in connection with the tragic death of her 33-year-old daughter-in-law, Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly subjected to systematic dowry harassment.
The single-judge bench of Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh presided over the matter and has slated the next hearing for May 25.
Challenge to Anticipatory Bail
The legal proceedings in the High Court stem from separate petitions filed by the deceased’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, and the Madhya Pradesh State Government. Both petitioners are seeking the quashing of the anticipatory bail previously granted to the former judicial officer by a local court in Bhopal.
The petitioners contend that the protective bail granted to Giribala Singh should be revoked in light of the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing requirements of the police investigation.
Background of the Incident and Charges
The case traces back to May 12, when 33-year-old Twisha Sharma was found hanging at her matrimonial residence located in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal.
Following her death, Sharma’s family leveled serious allegations against her in-laws, accusing them of relentless dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. Based on these complaints, the Bhopal Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) naming the deceased’s husband, Samarth Singh, and her mother-in-law, ex-judge Giribala Singh.
The case has been registered under the following provisions:
- Section 80(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Relevant provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act
Police Demand Cooperation in Investigation
Alongside the High Court proceedings, the Bhopal police are actively seeking the statement of the accused ex-judge. On Thursday, authorities issued a third and final notice to Giribala Singh, directing her to appear before the investigators to record her official statement.
Bhopal Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar confirmed the development, emphasizing the department’s stance on the matter. Commissioner Kumar stated that the police department would actively move the appropriate courts to seek the formal cancellation of her bail should she fail to cooperate with the investigation and respond to the issued notices.
With the High Court now seized of the matter, the scheduled hearing on May 25 is expected to determine whether the ex-judge will continue to remain out on anticipatory bail or be taken into custody for further interrogation.
