We Are Slightly In Pain: Supreme Court bench urges media to drop ‘judiciary shielding accused’ narrative

By Samira Vishwas On May 25, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday urged the media and parties connected to the Twisha Sharma death case to avoid narratives suggesting that the judiciary was “shielding the accused,” while emphasizing that the investigation must proceed independently and fairly.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was hearing suo motu proceedings related to alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the investigation into the death of the 26-year-old actor-model in Bhopal earlier this month.

Twisha Sharma Dowry Death Case: What did Supreme Court say during hearing?

Court Restrains Public Statements

The apex court directed family members of both the deceased and the accused, along with potential witnesses, to refrain from making statements to the media that could prejudice the investigation.

Twisha Sharma Death Case: ‘Pained’ By narrative that judiciary was shielding accused, says SC. Observing that it was “pained” by the narrative that the judiciary was shielding the accused, the Supreme Court on Monday said it would ensure a fair, independent, and impartial CBI…
— Tezzbuzz News (@DynamiteNews_) May 25, 2026

The bench clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the allegations linked to the case and said all aspects must be examined independently by the investigating agency. “While making these observations, it is clarified that we have not expressed any opinion on any of the allegations,” the court observed.

Bench Expresses Concern Over Public Narrative

During the hearing, the court repeatedly raised concerns over competing narratives emerging in the media and on television debates surrounding the case. Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that the bench was “slightly at pain because of some of the actions” and stressed that the probe should continue “fairly, independently and impartially.”

Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for the accused, alleged that witness statements recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC had appeared in newspapers shortly after being recorded.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, alleged that the accused’s mother, a retired district judge, had made repeated public appearances discussing the matter.

Family Continues to Raise Questions

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for Twisha Sharma’s family, alleged procedural lapses in the initial investigation, including delays in filing the FIR and concerns over preservation of evidence.

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The Supreme Court also recorded the assurance given by the Solicitor General that a decision regarding a possible CBI investigation would be taken shortly.

Second Autopsy Conducted by AIIMS Team

Twisha Sharma was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal earlier this month. Her family had alleged dowry-related harassment and questioned the findings of the initial post-mortem examination.

Following demands from the family, a second autopsy was conducted by a medical board from AIIMS Delhi after intervention by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing the matter under the title: “In Re Alleged Institutional Bias and Procedural Discrepancies in the Unnatural Death of a Young Woman at Matrimonial Home.”