The Supreme Court bench recorded the MP government’s statement that it has already written to the Centre recommending a CBI probe into the Twisha Sharma case.

The Supreme Court on Monday was informed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is expected to take over within a day the probe into the unnatural death of 32-year-old actor-model Twisha Sharma at her matrimonial home in Madhya Pradesh, amid mounting allegations of institutional bias, procedural irregularities and possible lapses in the investigation.

A bench led by Surya Kant and comprising justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi recorded the statement by the Madhya Pradesh government that it has already written to the Centre recommending a CBI probe into the matter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state, told the bench that the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) notification enabling the CBI to formally take over the investigation was likely to be issued during the day.

“The investigation has to be conducted fairly and dispassionately all through,” observed the bench, while requesting both sides to refrain from making public statements and urging the media not to publicise or broadcast statements of potential witnesses while the probe is underway.

“We are against the narrative that is being created. That is why CBI should take over,” the bench remarked during the hearing, adding that while it had “no doubt” about the fairness of the state police, an independent agency investigating the matter would inspire greater confidence in the facts of the case.

The top court also expressed concern over the public discourse surrounding the case and the allegations that the judiciary was influencing the investigation because the deceased’s husband is a lawyer and her mother-in-law a former judicial officer.

“We are slightly pained at the developments…It is unfortunate that it is being said that the judiciary is derailing the trial,” remarked the bench.

The matter has been registered suo motu by the apex court as “In Re: Alleged institutional bias and procedural discrepancies in the unnatural death of a young girl at her matrimonial home”, based on media reports and attendant circumstances.