Bhopal Court Rejects Bail for Retired Judge in Daughter-in-Law's Dowry Death Case

A district court in Bhopal on Friday rejected the bail application of retired judge Giribala Singh, who is accused in the dowry death case of her daughter-in-law, model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma. The court held that releasing her at this stage could influence evidence in the case.

First Additional Sessions Judge Ram Pratap Mishra observed that the prosecution's apprehension that evidence could be affected if bail was granted 'cannot be said to be unfounded.' The court noted that the case diary contained sufficient material indicating her alleged involvement.

The court took into account material collected during the investigation, including WhatsApp chats, call-detail records, and statements of the deceased's family members. 'The material available in the case diary indicates the involvement of the applicant/accused in the offence. The alleged offence is a serious crime against a woman and is punishable with imprisonment for life. If the applicant/accused is granted the benefit of bail, there is a possibility that the evidence may be influenced,' the court said.

Giribala Singh had served as Principal District and Sessions Judge in Bhopal and was serving as Chairperson of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bhopal, at the time of the incident. She was arrested in connection with the dowry death of Twisha Sharma, who died in June 2022 under suspicious circumstances. The case is being investigated by the police, and the trial is ongoing.