New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to formally take over the investigation into the death of 33-year-old former actor-model Twisha Sharma within a day, the Supreme Court was informed on Monday, May 25.
The development comes amid growing concerns over alleged institutional bias, procedural lapses, and irregularities in the handling of the case by state authorities. Sharma died at her matrimonial home in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Suryakant, along with Justices Joymala Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, heard the matter. The court was told that the Madhya Pradesh government has already written to the Centre recommending a CBI probe.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, informed the bench that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) notification enabling the CBI to take charge of the investigation was likely to be issued later that day.
“The investigation has to be conducted fairly and dispassionately all through,” the bench observed, while directing both parties to avoid making public statements. It also urged the media not to publicise or broadcast statements of individuals who could be potential witnesses during the ongoing probe.
The court expressed strong reservations about the narrative surrounding the case. “We are against the narrative that is being created. That is why CBI should take over,” the bench remarked. While noting that it did not doubt the fairness of the state police, the judges emphasised that an independent agency would help build greater public confidence in the facts of the case.
The Supreme Court also voiced discomfort over public discourse suggesting judicial influence in the investigation, citing the fact that the deceased’s husband is a practising lawyer and her mother-in-law is a retired judge.
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“We are slightly pained at the developments. It is unfortunate that it is being said that the judiciary is derailing the trial,” the bench observed.
In its order, the court referred to a news report published on May 18 that highlighted questions of institutional bias and discrepancies in the investigation, particularly due to the professional backgrounds of the husband and mother-in-law. It noted that a perception had emerged that a fair investigation was being denied because of alleged judicial connections, which prompted the court to initiate suo motu proceedings.
The bench reiterated its appeal to the media to refrain from recording statements of potential witnesses while the investigation continues.
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