The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Friday, 22 May suspended the licence of advocate Samarth Singh with immediate effect, citing his alleged role in the death of his wife Twisha Sharma in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The order was issued by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, who said prima facie evidence and Singh's conduct during the investigation left the council no option but to act.

What the BCI Chairman Said

Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Mishra stated: 'We have suspended his licence. Her husband Samarth Singh has a role in her murder. This is proved in investigation prima facie. There are allegations and, on top of that, he was also not cooperating in the investigation and was absconding.'

Mishra added that the legal profession could not permit such individuals to continue practising until they are cleared through trial proceedings. He described the matter as 'serious and sensitive', noting that influential people were involved — a factor he said could affect witness participation and evidence collection.

Concerns Over Influence and Evidence Tampering

Mishra specifically flagged the background of Singh's family, stating: 'His mother is a District Judge. These are very influential people, so witnesses will not come forward easily. There is a possibility of tampering with evidence.' The BCI chairman also backed the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying the move would ensure a fair and thorough probe and help identify all those involved.

Singh Arrested After Surrendering in Jabalpur

Samarth Singh, who had been absconding since the alleged suicide of Twisha Sharma on 12 May, was arrested by Bhopal Police from the Jabalpur court premises on Friday after surrendering before a court. Prior to his arrest, he withdrew his interim bail application before the principal bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

While disposing of the bail plea, the High Court laid down the procedure to be followed in such cases, observing that an accused fearing police torture may surrender before the trial court or the investigating officer, after which legal procedure must be followed.

High Court Orders Second Autopsy by AIIMS Delhi

In a significant parallel development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a second post-mortem examination of Twisha Sharma's body, to be conducted by a team from AIIMS Delhi. The directive came after Sharma's family alleged lapses in the first autopsy. This is a rare step that signals the court's concern over the integrity of the initial forensic process.

Background and What Happens Next

The case has drawn widespread attention across Madhya Pradesh, with questions raised about the circumstances of Twisha Sharma's death on 12 May. With the CBI now taking over, a second autopsy ordered, and the accused in custody, the investigation enters a more closely scrutinised phase. The BCI's suspension of Singh's licence means he cannot practise law until the trial proceedings clear him, effectively removing him from the legal fraternity for the duration of the case.