Twisha Sharma case: MP HC denies bail relief to ex-judge Giribala Singh, seeks CBI reply
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, denied immediate relief to former district judge Giribala Singh, who remains in judicial custody in connection with the death of her daughter-in-law, model-actress Twisha Sharma. The court deferred consideration of Singh's bail plea and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file its response within a week.
What the Court Ordered
A single bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Nirankari heard arguments from both sides before granting the CBI a one-week window to place the case diary before the court and submit its formal reply to the bail application. The next hearing has been scheduled accordingly, and Giribala Singh will remain in custody in the interim.
What the Defence Argued
Senior advocate Surendra Singh, representing Giribala Singh, sought bail on grounds of her advanced age and health condition. The defence contended that she had not committed any act that made her liable for the alleged offence and that no material evidence existed to suggest she had instigated her daughter-in-law to die by suicide. The defence also assured the court that Singh would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and comply with any conditions the court might impose.
The CBI's Stand
The CBI sought time to respond, indicating it wished to place the 636-page charge sheet — filed in August against Twisha's husband Samarth Singh and Giribala Singh — along with the case diary, before the bench. According to the defence counsel, the agency had also filed its objection to the bail application separately.
Background: The Twisha Sharma Case
Model-actress Twisha Sharma died under suspicious circumstances at her in-laws' residence in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal on 12 May. Her family alleged foul play, prompting the CBI to take over the investigation. The agency's comprehensive charge sheet runs to 636 pages, naming both her husband and mother-in-law, a former judicial officer, as accused.
Notably, the case carries heightened public sensitivity given that one of the accused is a former district judge — an officer of the court now facing proceedings in the very judicial system she once served.
What Happens Next
Advocate Anurag Panday, representing Twisha Sharma's family before the court, said the next hearing is expected to centre on the CBI's response and the case diary before any decision on bail is taken. The outcome will determine whether Giribala Singh continues in custody or is granted relief ahead of trial.