Bhopal, July 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A special CBI court in Bhopal on Friday recused itself from hearing the regular bail application of former district judge Giribala Singh, an accused in the CBI-investigated Twisha Sharma dowry death case, after the presiding judge disclosed that she had earlier undergone judicial training under Singh.
The bail plea was subsequently transferred to the court of the Special Judge (Lokayukta), which heard arguments from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the defence and counsel for the victim’s family. The court reserved its order, which is expected to be pronounced on Saturday.
Explaining the decision to recuse, the Special CBI Judge informed the parties that she had received judicial training under Giribala Singh during the latter’s tenure as an Additional District and Sessions Judge in Gwalior. She said she was stepping aside to avoid any perception of bias.
Seeking regular bail, the defence cited Singh’s health condition, her responsibility to care for her 100-year-old mother and her cooperation with the investigation. It also argued that, as a serving judicial officer receiving a regular salary and a war widow pension, the allegation of dowry demand was improbable.
The CBI opposed the plea, contending that the gravity of the allegations did not justify bail. The agency maintained that Singh’s medical condition was stable and alleged that she had not fully cooperated with the investigation, including refusing to provide a voice sample.
Counsel representing Twisha Sharma’s family also opposed the bail application, alleging that the accused had attempted to influence the investigation by contacting individuals linked to CCTV footage and other evidence.
Twisha Sharma, a 33-year-old former actor and corporate professional, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her matrimonial home in Bhopal on May 12, less than six months after her marriage. The CBI is investigating allegations of dowry harassment and cruelty following directions from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
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