The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to immediately take over the investigation into the unnatural death of corporate professional-turned-actor Twisha Sharma, as requested by the Madhya Pradesh government. The probe must be completed within six months of her marriage to an advocate and conducted thoroughly and impartially.
Court Appreciates State's Decision
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, appreciated the prompt decision by the state government to refer the case to the CBI. The bench stated, "We have no doubt that the CBI will conduct an impartial probe. The moment a narrative about institutional bias was built, the state rightly referred the investigations to the CBI."
Solicitor General's Assurance
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that he would impress upon the concerned authorities to ensure the CBI takes up the investigations into the death of the 33-year-old Noida woman under suspicious circumstances without any delay.
Suo Motu Cognizance
The bench noted that it took suo motu cognizance of the case after several media reports raised concerns about institutional bias and interference in the probe, as the husband is a practicing lawyer and the mother-in-law a retired district judge who obtained anticipatory bail within a day of applying.
Mother-in-Law's Conduct
Appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, Mehta informed the court that the mother-in-law, a potential accused, has been appearing on television channels and making statements maligning the deceased after receiving anticipatory bail on May 15. He added, "The state has challenged the grant of anticipatory bail to her. She is not cooperating with investigations and has not recorded her statement despite several notices. The investigating agency needs to seize her mobile phone and other electronic devices, which could be crucial evidence."
Media's Role
The bench disapproved of media outlets taking statements from witnesses and potential accused, requesting them to desist as it could prejudice the rights of both the complainant and the accused, and interfere with a fair trial. Mehta acknowledged that media coverage brought the case to light.
Appeal to Public
The bench urged concerned individuals to record statements before investigating agencies instead of giving media interviews. "We also request the public not to speculate and have trust and faith in the premier investigating agency, which will take the investigations to its logical end," the CJI-led bench said.
When senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the deceased's family, attempted to present certain documents, the bench instructed him to submit them to the investigating agency.
