A special CBI court in Bhopal on Friday, 25 July recused itself from hearing the regular bail application of retired district judge Giribala Singh, an accused in the Twisha Sharma dowry death case, after the presiding judge disclosed a prior mentorship relationship with the accused. The bail plea was swiftly transferred to the court of the Special Judge (Lokayukta), which reserved its order after hearing arguments from all sides and is expected to pronounce it on Saturday.

Why the Court Stepped Aside

At the outset of Friday's proceedings, the Special CBI Judge informed all parties that she had received judicial training under Giribala Singh when Singh was serving as an Additional District and Sessions Judge in Gwalior. Citing the need to avoid any perception of bias, the judge declined to hear the matter and recused herself. The case was immediately reassigned to the Lokayukta court, where substantive arguments were heard from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the defence, and counsel representing the victim's family.

What the Defence Argued

Seeking regular bail, the defence submitted that Giribala Singh was suffering from health issues while in judicial custody and needed to care for her 100-year-old mother. The defence also argued that Singh had cooperated with the investigation and had not attempted to evade the legal process.

Additionally, the defence contended that Singh — a serving judicial officer drawing a regular salary and a war widow pension — was financially secure, making the allegation of dowry demand improbable on its face.

CBI's Opposition and Key Allegations

The CBI firmly opposed the bail plea, arguing that the gravity of the allegations did not warrant release. The agency stated that neither the accused's gender nor her financial standing could serve as grounds for bail. Crucially, the CBI relied on the jail medical report to contend that Singh's health condition was stable, and alleged that she had not fully cooperated with the investigation — including her refusal to provide a voice sample.

Counsel for Twisha Sharma's family also opposed the application, alleging that the accused had attempted to interfere with the investigation by contacting individuals linked to CCTV footage and other evidence. Advocate Anurag Pandey, representing the victim's family, said after the hearing: 'The investigation is at a crucial stage, and there is a reasonable apprehension that, if released on bail, the accused may influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.'

Background: The Twisha Sharma Case

Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old former actor and corporate professional, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her matrimonial home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on 12 May, less than six months after her marriage to advocate Samarth Singh, Giribala Singh's son. Her family alleged persistent dowry harassment and cruelty by both her husband and mother-in-law.

Following allegations of lapses in the initial police investigation, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a CBI probe into the case. The central agency subsequently arrested Giribala Singh after the High Court set aside the anticipatory bail that had previously been granted to her.

What Happens Next

The Special Judge (Lokayukta) court is expected to pronounce its order on the bail application on Saturday. The outcome will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case involving a judicial officer and the CBI's assertion that the investigation remains at a critical juncture.