The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued notice on petitions challenging the anticipatory bail granted to retired judicial officer Giribala Singh in connection with the death of 33-year-old Twisha Sharma in Bhopal. The matter came up before Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh, who agreed to hear the challenge moved both by the State government and the deceased woman’s father.
Background of the Case
Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home on May 12, 2026. Following the incident, police registered an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 relating to allegations of cruelty and dowry death, along with sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Giribala Singh, the deceased woman’s mother-in-law and a retired judicial officer, was granted anticipatory bail by a trial court on May 15. The order immediately drew attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the speed with which the relief was granted.
The State of Madhya Pradesh later approached the High Court seeking quashing of the anticipatory bail order passed on May 15.
Appearing for the State, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued before the High Court that the anticipatory bail had been granted “in a very hurried manner.” He was assisted by Advocate General Prashant Singh, Additional Advocate General Harpreet Singh Ruprah and other government counsel.
According to submissions recorded by the High Court, Mehta pointed to the sequence of events surrounding the case. He told the Court that the death allegedly took place on the night of May 12, the post-mortem examination was conducted on May 13, the anticipatory bail plea was filed on May 14 and the order granting relief was passed on May 15 itself.
The State contended that the investigation was still at an early and crucial stage when the protection order was passed. It was argued that important aspects connected to the allegations and the ongoing probe had not been adequately examined.
During the hearing, the prosecution also expressed concern over the possibility of interference with evidence and requested urgent consideration of the matter.
The High Court noted the submissions and indicated its inclination to examine the challenge to the anticipatory bail order. Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh directed issuance of notice to Giribala Singh and fixed the matter for further hearing.
Accepting the State’s request for expedited hearing, the High Court directed that notice be served upon the respondent on payment of process fee and made the notice returnable on May 25, 2026.
The matter has been listed for hearing at 2:30 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: The State of Madhya Pradesh v. Smt. Giribala Singh
Judge: Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh
Decision Date: May 22, 2026
