While hearing the suo motu registered over the Twisha Sharma death case, the Supreme Court observed that there are lapses in the handling of the case.
The SC directed the media to exercise restraint while reporting developments in the case.
Twisha Sharma, 33, was found hanging at her marital home in Bhopal's Katara Hills area on May 12. Sharma's family accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and abetment to suicide. However, her in-laws claimed that she suffered from drug addiction.
Sharma's father also alleged that her in-laws, including her mother-in-law, Giribala Singh, a former judge, attempted to influence the case.
Police arrested husband Samarth Singh, an advocate, on Friday after he surrendered in Jabalpur court.
"We are slightly in pain because of some of the actions. We will request our media friends not to go for the statements of the victim's family or the other family. Let the things move as per law and procedure," said the bench.
Also read
- SC to hear Twisha Sharma case today; family says ‘forced to compromise on Hindu rituals’
- Twisha died three days before a planned meeting with her brother in Ajmer; family alleges Samarth refused to let her travel
- Twisha Sharma death: Husband recalls fights during interrogation, says pregnancy changed her behaviour
- Twisha Sharma death: AIIMS Delhi team to conduct second autopsy today after high court order
Also, the SC informed that the CBI is likely to take over the case within a day.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government, submitted that significant progress in the case had been made due to media intervention.
"We would like to impress upon the family members of the victim as well as the accused that instead of making statements in public or before a media platform, they should get their versions recorded before the investigating agency so that no prejudice or adverse impact is had on the ongoing investigation," the bench said.
"We also request the media to avoid recording statements of persons who are likely to be potential witnesses, as it may unnecessarily impact the outcomes on certain issues which are to be investigated," the bench added.
While hearing the case, the SC said that a "narrative is being created" since her mother-in-law and co-accused is a former judge.
"Why is Giribala Singh being questioned this way? She is a former district judge and it is unfortunate that it is being that the judiciary is derailing the trial. We are against the narrative," said Kant.