‘Has to Be Done at the Earliest’: HC Orders Second Post-Mortem in Twisha Sharma Death Case

The Madhya Pradesh high court’s order for a second post-mortem in the death case of Twisha Sharma has sparked hope for justice, but it also highlights systemic failures that have plagued this investigation from the beginning. The fact that the court felt compelled to intervene and expedite the process is a damning indictment of the state’s handling of the case so far.

The original post-mortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal was widely criticized by Twisha’s family, who alleged serious lapses in the investigation. Credible reports have emerged of inconsistencies and omissions in the autopsy report. The high court’s decision to order a second post-mortem acknowledges that the first one may not have been sufficient to determine the cause of Twisha’s death.

The Madhya Pradesh government has proposed transferring the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has raised questions about the government’s motives. Is this a genuine attempt to ensure justice is served, or a desperate bid to distance itself from the controversy? The fact that the government is choosing to transfer the case to an external agency rather than taking charge of the investigation themselves is telling.

Dowry deaths continue to plague India, with official statistics showing more than 8,000 women dying every year due to dowry-related harassment or violence. This staggering number is made even more disturbing by the fact that in many cases, perpetrators walk free while victims’ families are left to pick up the pieces.

The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI may be seen as a move to restore public trust, but it also raises questions about accountability. Who will be held responsible for the lapses and delays in the investigation so far? Will the high court’s order for a second post-mortem finally bring transparency and closure to Twisha’s family?

The Twisha Sharma case has exposed deep-seated flaws in India’s justice system. From the initial police response to the handling of evidence, there have been far too many instances of incompetence and negligence. The high court’s order for a second post-mortem is a much-needed intervention, but it also highlights the need for systemic reforms.

The government’s proposal to transfer the case to the CBI has sparked hopes that justice will finally be served, but it also raises questions about the role of external agencies in India’s justice system. Can they provide an objective and impartial investigation, or are they just a convenient escape route for the state? The answers will only come when the CBI completes its inquiry and brings those responsible to book.

As the Twisha Sharma case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the family’s demand for a fresh autopsy by an independent medical board has been vindicated. This highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how India approaches dowry deaths. The state must recognize that these cases are not just isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of violence and harassment against women.

In the coming days and weeks, we will be watching closely as the CBI takes over the investigation. Will they uncover new evidence or shed light on the lapses in the original probe? More importantly, will they bring accountability to those responsible for Twisha’s death? The answers will only come with time, but one thing is certain: justice delayed may not be justice denied, but it’s a reminder that in India’s justice system, delays and denials can often become the norm.