‘Deeply Pained’: Supreme Court On Allegations Of Judicial Bias In Twisha Sharma Death Probe
‘Deeply Pained’: Supreme Court On Allegations Of Judicial Bias In Twisha Sharma Death Probe Published By, Last Updated: May 25, 2026, 13:09 IST The SC
‘Deeply Pained’: Supreme Court On Allegations Of Judicial Bias In Twisha Sharma Death Probe Published By, Last Updated: May 25, 2026, 13:09 IST The SC bench said concerns had been raised regarding the alleged lack of impartiality because Twisha Sharma’s husband was a practising lawyer and his mother was a former judge. Rapid Read Supreme Court Reacts to Judicial Bias Claims in Twisha Sharma Case The Supreme Court on Monday heard the death case of former model-actor Twisha Sharma and said it was “pained" by the growing narrative that the judiciary had delayed or undermined a fair investigation into the matter. The court noted that the probe would now be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to an India Today report published on May 18 while explaining why the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the case. “A news article published on May 18 raised questions of institutional bias and discrepancies," the Chief Justice observed. Concerns over alleged influence The bench said concerns had been raised regarding the alleged lack of impartiality because Twisha Sharma’s husband was a practising lawyer and his mother was a former district judge. “The reason that was reported for the alleged lack of impartiality was that the husband of the deceased is a practising lawyer and the mother is a former district judge.
The question was whether undue influence can be exercised in investigation," the bench said. The court also referred to claims that the judiciary itself had affected the fairness of the investigation. “A narrative was also created that fair investigation was denied due to involvement of judiciary. That is why suo motu proceedings were initiated," the Chief Justice added. The Supreme Court also noted that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had already ordered a second post-mortem examination in the case. CBI to take over investigation The bench said the immediate issue before the court was the transfer of the investigation to the CBI. Calling it an “unfortunate unnatural death", the court acknowledged the pain faced by Twisha Sharma’s family. “It’s a case of unnatural death," the bench observed. “The kind of agony it causes to family and near and dear ones… we all have sympathy. But there is a procedure under law," the court added. The Chief Justice urged people not to pre-judge the investigation and asked the public to trust the CBI. “We request people to have faith in the premier investigation agency," the said. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that he would immediately speak to authorities to ensure that the CBI formally takes over the probe.
The Supreme Court clarified that it was not expressing any opinion on the allegations made by either side. “While making these observations, it is clarified that we have not expressed any opinion on any of the allegations or otherwise and it is entirely on the investigating agency to look into the different aspects," the bench said. The court also said there was no need for additional directions at this stage because the state government had already proposed transferring the investigation. Court warns against media statements The bench strongly advised both the victim’s family and the accused side against making statements in public or before media platforms. “We would like to impress upon the family members of the victim as well as the accused that instead of making statements in public or before media platforms, they should get their versions recorded before the investigating agency so that no prejudice or adverse impact is had on the ongoing investigation," the court said. The court also requested the media and public to avoid speculation surrounding the case. Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Twisha Sharma’s family, said the family was not trying to sensationalise the issue. “We are not here to sensationalise the matter," he said. The bench noted that the family had earlier expressed concerns about not receiving a fair investigation, but added that the state had acted by transferring the probe.
“You had concern that some things were here and there, and you were not getting a fair trial. State immediately acted, transferred probe," the bench told the family’s counsel. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also said one thing remained clear in the case. “One thing is clear, the girl lost her life, by suicide or by criminal manner," Mehta told the court. Twisha Sharma was found dead on 12 May at her in‑laws’ home in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Delhi, India, India First Published: May 25, 2026, 13:09 IST News india ‘Deeply Pained’: Supreme Court On Allegations Of Judicial Bias In Twisha Sharma Death Probe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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