The Supreme Court on Monday, 25 May called for a 'fair, independent and unbiased' investigation into the suspected dowry death of model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, while urging all parties and media outlets to refrain from public statements that could compromise the ongoing probe. The apex court was hearing a suo motu case registered over allegations of institutional bias and procedural lapses in the investigation.

What the Court Said

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, said it was 'slightly in pain' over certain developments surfacing through media coverage. The Bench appealed directly to journalists: 'We will request our media friends not to go for the statements of the victim's family or the other family. Let things move as per law and procedure.'

The court further requested both the victim's family and the accused to channel their versions through the investigating agency rather than media platforms. 'We request both sides that whatever statements they wish to make should be made before the investigating agency so that the ongoing probe is not adversely affected,' the Bench observed.

Why the Court Took Suo Motu Cognisance

The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the matter amid concerns over alleged procedural lapses, including delay in FIR registration, inconsistencies in post-mortem findings, and apprehensions of institutional bias. The court noted that the backdrop to these concerns was significant: the husband of the deceased is reportedly an advocate, and her mother-in-law a retired judicial officer — a combination that, critics argued, may have influenced the pace and direction of the initial investigation.

Notably, the court clarified it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations, stating that all aspects would be independently examined by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

CBI to Take Over the Investigation

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, informed the court that the CBI would assume charge of the investigation immediately, with all necessary administrative formalities to be completed without delay. Recording this assurance, the Bench noted in its order that the Centre's second-highest law officer had committed to ensuring the CBI takes over expeditiously.

The court expressed confidence in the probe agencies, stating: 'We have no doubt that whichever agency investigates the matter will carry the probe to its logical conclusion and uncover the truth.'

Background: The Death of Twisha Sharma

Twisha Sharma, a model-turned-actor, was found hanging at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on 12 May, triggering widespread outrage and allegations of dowry harassment from her family. The case drew national attention, with concerns mounting over the manner in which the initial investigation was conducted. The Supreme Court's intervention reflects the gravity of those concerns and the perceived need for an independent agency to take the matter forward.

Appeal for Public Restraint

Beyond media and the parties directly involved, the apex court also appealed to the general public to refrain from speculation and to place trust in the CBI's investigation. The court specifically requested news platforms to avoid publishing statements from potential witnesses, warning that such coverage could affect the outcome of issues yet to be probed. This is a rare but not unprecedented step — courts have issued similar advisories in high-profile cases where media trial concerns have arisen.

With the CBI now set to take charge, the case enters a critical new phase that will test both institutional impartiality and the judiciary's ability to insulate sensitive investigations from public pressure.