In swiftly changing developments in the case, the Bar Council of India (BCI) on Friday suspended advocate Samarth Singh from legal practice citing serious allegations linked to the death of his wife Twisha Sharma.
The interim order was passed by BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra pending further consideration of the issue by its disciplinary body.The BCI noted that a first information report (FIR) has been registered against Singh and others on allegations including dowry death and cruelty. It further recorded that he was reportedly absconding and not cooperating with the investigation.
In view of these circumstances, the BCI said urgent action was necessary to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.“The allegations are grave and have a direct bearing upon the dignity,discipline and public image of the legal profession. An advocate is not merely a private individual but an officer of the Court and a member of a regulated profession. The Bar Council of India is under a statutory duty to preserve the purity of the profession and to ensure that the conduct of advocates does not erode public confidence in the administration of justice,” said BCI in its order.
During the period of suspension, Singh has been barred from appearing, acting, pleading or filing vakalatnamas before any court, tribunal or authority across India. The matter is now expected to be placed before the appropriate disciplinary committee for further orders after due process.
The development comes amid ongoing proceedings before the Madhya Pradesh High Court in connection with Sharma’s death.Noida-based Twisha Sharma, a former Miss Pune winner, had married Samarth Singh, a Bhopal-based lawyer, five months ago after meeting through a dating app.She recently died under mysterious circmstances.
An FIR was registered by Katara Hills police station to probe the death. According to media reports, Sharma's husband and mother-in-law Giribala Singh have been booked for dowry harassment in the case. Giribala Singh is a retired district judge and is currently President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
Sharma's family blamed her in-laws for the death, accusing them of persistent domestic violence and harassment. They demanded a second post-mortem to ascertain the actual cause of Sharma's death, which the Madhya Pradesh High Court allowed on Friday.A sessions court had rejected the anticipatory bail plea moved by Samarth Singh.
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