Twisha Sharma Death Case: Supreme Court Seeks Accused's Replies on Trial Transfer Plea

The Supreme Court has sought responses from accused Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh on a petition seeking the transfer of the trial in actor-model Twisha Sharma’s suspected death case from Bhopal to Delhi.

The petition was heard by the top court on Friday. A bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant issued notices to both accused and directed them to file their replies to the plea.

Senior advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh, sought additional time to file the responses. After the request was made, the court allowed more time and deferred further proceedings in the matter.

The case has once again reached the Supreme Court over the demand that the trial should be conducted in Delhi instead of Bhopal. Twisha Sharma’s father, Navnidhi Sharma, has filed the petition seeking the transfer of the trial.

Father raises concern over influence in Bhopal

In the petition, Navnidhi Sharma has expressed apprehension that a fair hearing could be affected in Bhopal because of the presence and influence of powerful people.

The petitioner has specifically referred to accused Giribala Singh’s background. The plea says that Giribala Singh has served as a former district judge. On this basis, Navnidhi Sharma has argued that her old judicial and social contacts in Bhopal could have an impact on the fairness of the proceedings.

The petition has also raised concerns about the safety of witnesses. The father has told the court that witnesses could face difficulties in remaining safe and giving their statements independently at the local level.

According to the plea, the trial should be held at a place where there is no possibility of outside pressure or influence. It says that the change of venue is necessary so that all sides can receive a fair hearing and the witnesses can give their statements without any interference.

CBI supports transfer of trial

An important aspect of the matter is that the Central Bureau of Investigation, or CBI, has also supported the demand to transfer the trial from Bhopal to Delhi.

The CBI’s support has added importance to the petition seeking a change in the location of the trial. However, the final decision on whether the proceedings will be shifted will be taken by the Supreme Court.

During Friday’s hearing, the counsel for Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh asked for time to submit the accused persons’ replies. The court accepted the request and directed that the responses be filed before the matter is taken up further.

Focus now on accused persons’ replies

The next stage of the proceedings will depend on the replies filed by the accused and the arguments raised in the petition. The Supreme Court will consider those responses before taking further action on the request to move the trial.

The central issue before the court is whether the trial in Twisha Sharma’s suspected death case will continue in Bhopal or be transferred to Delhi.

Navnidhi Sharma’s petition relies on concerns about a fair hearing, the possible influence of Giribala Singh’s past judicial and social contacts, and the safety and independence of witnesses. The CBI has also backed the request for a Delhi trial, while the accused persons are yet to file their replies.