The development comes at a time when the debate over the film has already reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a separate controversy involving the disappearance of a convicted former police officer in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case has further heightened political and public attention.

In a social media post, Bittu uploaded several photographs showing heavily armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and drum magazines. Referring to the images, he said they were not from a modern-day photoshoot but from Punjab’s years of insurgency.

The minister questioned who these individuals were and recalled a period when, according to him, fear had gripped the state and civilians frequently became targets of violence. He said families who lived through that phase still remember the uncertainty and trauma associated with those years.

Bittu also stressed that violence and weapons could never represent Punjab’s future and argued that the state now needs peace, development and social harmony rather than narratives that revive memories of militancy.

His remarks come amid criticism and debate over Sutlej, a film involving Diljit Dosanjh that has sparked reactions from different quarters. While supporters have defended the project, critics have raised concerns over its themes and portrayal of historical events.

The dispute has now reached the courts. A resident of Mohali, Sarwan Singh, has filed a petition seeking the restoration of the film on OTT platforms. The matter is expected to draw legal scrutiny as stakeholders continue to debate issues related to content, historical representation and public sentiment.

At the same time, attention has shifted to another high-profile case linked to Punjab’s past.

Authorities are attempting to trace former DSP Jaspal Singh, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Officials confirmed that the Nabha Open Agriculture Jail administration has written to Hoshiarpur Police asking them to locate Singh after concerns emerged regarding his whereabouts.

Police officials in Hoshiarpur have acknowledged receiving communication related to the matter.

Jaspal Singh was serving a life sentence in the Khalra murder case and was released on bail in May 2023 after furnishing a personal bond. His release was linked to legal provisions arising from delays in the consideration of a remission proposal pending before the Governor.

According to prison officials, the Punjab government had forwarded a proposal seeking premature release of Jaspal Singh in September 2022. As no final decision was taken for an extended period, legal provisions and previous court directions were cited while granting him temporary relief.

The case has once again brought focus to the 1995 abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist known for exposing alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.

The Khalra case remains one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history. In 2005, a special CBI court convicted former DSP Jaspal Singh and several other police personnel. Subsequent proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court resulted in modifications to some convictions and sentences, while life imprisonment remained in force for key accused.

The simultaneous emergence of the Sutlej controversy and renewed attention on the Khalra case has revived public discussion around Punjab’s militancy-era history, with political leaders, legal institutions and civil society groups closely watching developments.

Further proceedings in both matters are awaited.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday stayed the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, providing temporary relief to the Meghalaya government, which had challenged the bail order before the apex court.

The matter came up for hearing after the Meghalaya government moved the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Sonam. The state argued that the relief was granted because of a typographical error in the police documents and sought immediate intervention to prevent her release while the case is under trial.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during the couple's honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Investigators have alleged that Sonam Raghuvanshi was the key conspirator in the murder and that the crime was carried out with the help of hired assailants. The allegations are currently being examined during the trial, and the accused has denied wrongdoing.

Earlier this week, the Meghalaya High Court had upheld a Shillong court's order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi after dismissing the state's appeal. The High Court had observed that the lower court's order did not warrant interference, although a detailed judgment is awaited.

Following the High Court's decision, the Meghalaya government promptly approached the Supreme Court, maintaining that the bail order stemmed from an error in the police records. According to the state, a typographical mistake in mentioning the relevant legal provision played a role in the grant of bail, and the issue required urgent correction.

During Friday's proceedings, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the bail order, meaning Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain in custody until further directions from the court. The stay does not amount to a final decision on the merits of the bail dispute, and the matter will continue to be heard by the apex court.

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case has attracted nationwide attention since the businessman from Indore was found dead in Meghalaya after the couple went missing during their honeymoon. The investigation led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi and other accused, with the Meghalaya Police filing a detailed chargesheet in the case.

The Supreme Court's interim order marks the latest legal development in the high-profile case. Further proceedings are expected as the court considers the Meghalaya government's plea seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the main accused.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that the post of Dean in government autonomous medical colleges cannot be filled through direct recruitment, holding that such appointments must be made through the prescribed promotion process under the existing recruitment rules.

The decision came while hearing petitions challenging the appointment process for Dean posts in autonomous medical colleges. The court observed that bypassing eligible candidates through direct recruitment would be inconsistent with the applicable service rules governing medical education institutions in the state.

According to the court, eligible professors already serving in the medical education system have a legitimate right to be considered for promotion. The recruitment mechanism cannot be altered through administrative action if the statutory rules provide for promotion as the prescribed mode of appointment.

The High Court also noted that autonomous medical colleges function under recruitment rules framed by the state government and that appointments to senior academic and administrative positions must strictly adhere to those provisions. The judgment reinforces the principle that executive decisions cannot override statutory recruitment rules.

The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the appointment process in government autonomous medical colleges across Madhya Pradesh. Institutions that were planning to fill Dean vacancies through direct recruitment may now have to revisit their recruitment procedures in line with the court's directions.

The issue of appointments in autonomous medical colleges has been the subject of legal scrutiny on multiple occasions in recent years. Courts have repeatedly emphasized that promotion rules and service conditions cannot be diluted through executive orders unless the recruitment rules are formally amended in accordance with law.

Legal experts believe the judgment strengthens the rights of serving faculty members who are eligible for promotion and provides clarity on the appointment process for senior administrative posts in medical colleges.

Further administrative action by the Medical Education Department is expected following the High Court's ruling, particularly in cases where recruitment processes are underway or proposed for Dean positions.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the state government’s order on chanting in schools, saying there was no solid proof on record that the order had actually been implemented yet. The single bench refused to intervene at this stage for that reason.

The petition had been filed by former Waqf Board chairman Abdul Salam Rizvi, who argued that the state order violated the Constitution and should be struck down. But the court said the petitioner had not yet shown any concrete evidence that schools had started following the directive.

What the court said

According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Dr Amir Khan, the court made it clear that unless implementation is proven, there is no basis for immediate relief. In other words, the court is waiting for evidence, not just the existence of the order.

The bench also allowed the petitioner to come back with a fresh plea if, in the future, there is proof such as videos or other documents showing the order being followed in any school. That keeps the door open for a legal challenge later.

What this means

For now, the government’s order has survived the court challenge because the case was rejected on evidentiary grounds rather than on the merits of the policy itself. So the issue is not fully settled legally; it has only been put on hold until implementation can be shown.

If such evidence emerges later, the matter could return to court and be tested again. That means the dispute over chanting in schools is still legally alive, even though this petition has been dismissed.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed that the counselling report of a 12-year-old girl, allegedly sexually assaulted while living with her foster sister and brother-in-law in Baikunthpur, be submitted in a sealed cover. The court has also ordered that the girl and her nine-year-old brother remain under the care of child welfare authorities until the next hearing scheduled for July 2.

The matter reached the High Court after the girl's foster elder sister filed a habeas corpus petition, claiming that the two children had been unlawfully kept by child protection authorities. During the proceedings, however, the state informed the court that the children had been placed under protective care following serious allegations of physical abuse and sexual assault.

According to official records presented before the court, the nine-year-old boy is currently housed at the Child Welfare Centre in Baikunthpur, Koriya district, while the 12-year-old girl has been shifted to a government girls' home in Ambikapur for her safety.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to produce both children before the court during the hearing.

The state informed the Bench that the siblings, who had lost their parents, had been living with a woman they regarded as their elder sister and her husband. During their stay, the children were allegedly subjected to physical and mental abuse. Unable to bear the alleged harassment, they reportedly fled the house and sought shelter with an acquaintance.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which arranged counselling for the children and placed them under protection.

During the counselling sessions, the girl allegedly disclosed that her foster brother-in-law had sexually assaulted her. Authorities also learned that her younger brother had allegedly been subjected to repeated abuse. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against the accused and arrested him. The investigation is continuing.

While hearing the matter, the High Court observed that the welfare and psychological well-being of the children must remain the highest priority. In compliance with the court's directions, Koriya Collector Roktima Yadav, Ambikapur Additional Collector Ram Singh Thakur and officials of the Women and Child Development Department produced the siblings before the Bench.

The court directed that the counselling of the children be conducted at the State Judicial Academy instead of inside the courtroom. The sessions were held under the supervision of senior advocate Naushina Ali, Director of the State Judicial Academy.

Following the interaction with the children, the counsellor has been instructed to submit her findings to the High Court in a sealed envelope. Until further orders, both siblings will continue to stay in child welfare institutions to ensure their safety and well-being.

The case will come up for further hearing on July 2, when the High Court is expected to consider the sealed counselling report and decide the next course of action.

The Gwalior High Court has taken a tough line against the Madhya Pradesh government over allegations of collusion between mining officials and the mining mafia, asking why lease holders who failed to pay massive penalty dues were still being granted fresh mining rights. The court’s sharp remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by petitioner Akram Khan.

A division bench of Justice GS Ahluwalia and Justice Pushpendra Yadav questioned the state on why recovery had not been made from miners who owe ₹305.97 crore in penalties for illegal mining. The court also asked on what basis such defaulters were allowed to regain mining leases instead of being blacklisted and stopped immediately, as required under the rules.

According to the petition, the penalty amount has been pending since 2017, but the mineral department has failed to recover it. The plea says that despite defaulting on dues, the mining operators were not only allowed to continue but were also given fresh leases in new areas, effectively ignoring their unpaid penalties.

The petition further claims that the defaulters’ existing quarry rights were renewed even after large sums remained unpaid. This, the plea argues, shows a complete disregard for the legal process and has allowed influential operators to keep benefiting despite owing money to the state.

The petitioner also told the court that illegal mining in the Billaua and Berja areas of Gwalior district has caused serious environmental damage. The area is known for black stone and crusher aggregate trade, and the petition says mining activity has left the land riddled with deep pits of 25 to 30 metres, or around 100 feet.

The petition alleges that huge quantities of valuable black stone were extracted and sold in the market, while the revenue that should have gone to the government treasury instead went to the mining mafia. Earlier departmental inspections reportedly found large-scale illegal excavation, but no effective action followed.

The state government’s additional advocate sought time to present the government’s stand, which the court accepted. The bench granted one week’s time, and the next hearing is scheduled for 6 July 2026.

The case has drawn attention because it raises questions not just about illegal mining, but also about enforcement failure, recovery of public dues and the alleged protection of powerful defaulters. The court’s observations suggest the matter may become a major test of the state’s accountability in the mining sector.

A missing person case in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has taken an unexpected turn after a girl, initially reported by her family as a 19-year-old adult, was found to be a minor following her recovery from Noida. Verification of official documents revealed that the girl is only 17 years old, leading to the exposure of an alleged child marriage and prompting the High Court to order legal action against those responsible.

The incident pertains to the Bahodapur police station area, where the girl's father lodged a missing person complaint on June 12, claiming that his 19-year-old daughter had disappeared from their residence in Sagartal Phase-2. Based on the complaint, police registered a missing report and launched a search operation.

Using surveillance inputs and technical evidence, the police traced the girl to Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh. She was found in the company of a local youth identified as Kishan Khatik, a resident of Bahodapur. The accused was taken into custody and brought back to Gwalior along with the girl.

The case witnessed a major development during court proceedings when authorities verified the girl's educational records and birth certificate. The documents established that she was only 17 years old, making her a minor under the law. This revelation significantly altered the legal nature of the investigation.

During counselling, the girl reportedly told authorities that her father had arranged her marriage against her wishes while she was still underage. She further stated that she did not want to live with her husband or in-laws, which led her to leave home with her neighbour, Kishan Khatik.

Earlier, the girl's father had approached the High Court by filing a habeas corpus petition, alleging police negligence in tracing his daughter. However, after the girl's recovery and the disclosure regarding her age and alleged child marriage, the court directed Bahodapur police to register an FIR against all those involved in solemnising the child marriage within 15 days.

Police have already registered a case against Kishan Khatik under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was produced before a court and has been sent to judicial custody.

Meanwhile, investigators have widened the scope of the probe. The girl's parents, her alleged husband, in-laws and any other individuals involved in facilitating or conducting the child marriage are now under investigation. Separate criminal proceedings are expected under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Bahodapur Station House Officer Alok Parihar confirmed that the recovered girl was found to be a minor based on official documents. He said the investigation had established evidence of child marriage and that further legal action would be taken in compliance with the High Court's directions.

The case has once again highlighted concerns over child marriage and the importance of age verification during police investigations. Authorities are expected to complete the investigation and initiate action against all those found responsible under the relevant provisions of law.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has declined to grant relief to former Chief Minister and Patan MLA Bhupesh Baghel in an election dispute case, clearing the way for a detailed hearing on a petition challenging his 2023 Assembly election victory. The court rejected Baghel's application seeking dismissal of the election petition and ruled that the matter warrants consideration on its merits.

The petition, filed by Durg MP Vijay Baghel, alleges that Bhupesh Baghel violated provisions of election law during the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. The petitioner has sought to have Baghel's election declared void on the grounds of alleged violations during the campaign period.

With the High Court refusing to dismiss the case at the preliminary stage, regular hearings on the merits of the petition are scheduled to begin on June 23.

Allegations of Model Code Violation

According to the petition, Bhupesh Baghel allegedly participated in a rally and roadshow in the Patan constituency during the silence period immediately before polling, when election campaigning is prohibited under the Representation of the People Act.

The petitioner claims that election slogans were raised and votes were solicited during the event, constituting a violation of Section 126 of the Act. The allegations are reportedly supported by video recordings and other electronic material submitted before the court.

The petition argues that these actions amounted to a breach of election regulations and therefore justify a challenge to the validity of the election result.

Court Finds Petition Maintainable

During the proceedings, Bhupesh Baghel's legal team argued that the petition lacked sufficient particulars and should be dismissed without a trial. The defense contended that the allegations were vague and unsupported by conclusive evidence.

Counsel for Baghel also raised questions regarding the admissibility of electronic evidence, arguing that the petition did not include the required certification under Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act for digital records.

The defense further maintained that the petitioner had failed to establish the identity of individuals involved in the alleged roadshow or provide clear proof linking the events directly to Baghel's consent and participation.

However, the High Court observed that the facts presented in the petition were sufficient to allow the case to proceed. The court held that issues relating to the authenticity and evidentiary value of documents and electronic records would be examined during the trial stage.

Previous Legal Efforts

This is not the first attempt by Bhupesh Baghel to challenge the maintainability of the election petition. Earlier applications seeking dismissal of the case had also failed before the High Court.

Subsequently, Baghel approached the Supreme Court, which permitted him to file a fresh application before the High Court on the issue of maintainability. Acting on that liberty, he filed the latest plea, which has now been rejected.

The High Court clarified that the former Chief Minister remains free to challenge the authenticity of evidence and electronic records during the course of the trial.

Political and Legal Significance

The case carries political significance as it involves one of Chhattisgarh's most prominent political leaders. Legal experts note that election petitions are governed by a high evidentiary threshold, and courts typically require detailed examination of facts before arriving at a final conclusion.

The court's latest order does not determine the truth of the allegations but only confirms that the petition contains sufficient grounds for a full hearing.

A major fire at a firecracker shop in Bhopal has prompted authorities to revive the long-pending market relocation process, while stricter rules for sports ammunition are also being drafted.

The massive fire that broke out at a firecracker shop in Bhopal's Halalpura area on Friday has reignited concerns over safety standards and regulatory compliance in the city's firecracker market. The incident, which occurred at Soni Patakha Centre on Bairagarh Road, has prompted the district administration to revive efforts to relocate the market outside the city limits and tighten oversight of licensed businesses.

Although firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within a few hours, officials say the incident has exposed several longstanding issues related to storage practices, licensing conditions and legal hurdles that have delayed the market's proposed relocation.

Relocation File Reopened

Following the fire, the district administration has reopened the pending file related to shifting the firecracker market. Officials have begun compiling records related to shop licenses, court cases and stay orders that have stalled relocation efforts over the years.

According to administrative sources, photographs, CCTV footage and video evidence from the fire site are being collected and documented. The material is expected to be submitted before the High Court next week as part of an effort to seek removal of legal obstacles preventing the relocation of the market.

Authorities argue that moving the market away from densely populated areas would significantly reduce the risk posed by large-scale storage of explosive materials.

Survey of Shops Underway

The administration has also initiated fresh measurements of all shops operating in the market. Preliminary findings suggest that the shop where the fire occurred was operating over a much larger area than what was reportedly permitted under its license conditions.

Officials found that while the licensed area was considerably smaller, the actual storage and sales operations extended across a larger section of the premises. Similar discrepancies have reportedly been noticed in several other shops within the market.

Based on the findings, notices are likely to be issued to shop owners, seeking explanations within the next few days.

Licensing Concerns Emerge

Administrative officials said that out of the 15 shops currently operating in the market, only seven possess valid licenses. Several other shop owners have obtained court stays against the proposed relocation and related administrative action.

Authorities estimate that around 210 quintals of firecrackers are currently stored across the market. Given the quantity involved, officials have expressed concern about the potential consequences of any future accident.

SDM Ravishankar Rai confirmed that further action is being taken following the preliminary inspection and investigation.

Losses Reported by Shop Owner

The proprietor of Soni Patakha Centre has claimed significant financial losses in the fire. According to the shop owner, firecrackers worth approximately ₹35 lakh were destroyed in the blaze, along with around ₹7 lakh kept in cash at the premises.

Some partially burnt currency notes were reportedly recovered from the site after the fire was extinguished. No major casualties were reported, though the incident created panic among nearby residents and shopkeepers.

Stricter Rules for Sports Ammunition

In a separate but related regulatory move, the Bhopal district administration is also working on tighter controls over the issuance of ammunition to sport shooters.

The move follows last year's exposure of alleged black-marketing involving cartridges obtained under the sports quota. Under the proposed framework, an individual shooter will be allowed to obtain a maximum of 500 cartridges at one time and up to 1,000 cartridges annually.

Any requirement beyond the prescribed limit will require verification from sports authorities and specific administrative approval.

Previously, eligible shooters could receive significantly higher annual quotas depending on their category and participation level.

Proposal Sent to State Government

Sources familiar with the matter said the administration has forwarded recommendations to the state government seeking amendments to existing rules governing sports ammunition.

The proposal includes maintaining records of spent cartridge cases and mandatory disclosure of the competition or shooting range for which ammunition is being procured. Officials believe such measures would improve accountability and prevent misuse.

The administration has also suggested limiting the number of firearm licenses issued to sport shooters, with special provisions for nationally and internationally recognised athletes.

The recent fire has once again brought attention to public safety concerns surrounding the storage of hazardous materials within city limits. With legal proceedings expected to continue in the coming weeks, the future of Bhopal's firecracker market may now depend on how quickly authorities can secure approval for relocation and implement stricter compliance measures.

In a significant decision related to government recruitment transparency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed petitions filed by two women candidates accused of submitting fake Class 12 marksheets in the Anganwadi worker recruitment process in Tikamgarh district. The court observed that once the educational certificates submitted by the applicants were found to be forged, there was no justification for granting them an additional opportunity for hearing.

The matter came before the vacation bench of Justice Vishal Mishra, which heard separate petitions filed by Mamta Yadav and Neetu Rajput. Both women had challenged the action taken by the Women and Child Development Department, which declared them ineligible for recruitment and directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against them.

According to court records, the recruitment process began following an advertisement issued by the Women and Child Development Department on June 20, 2025. The petitioners had applied for Anganwadi worker posts and submitted their Class 12 educational documents as part of the eligibility requirements.

Their names reportedly appeared at the top of the provisional merit list released on August 18, 2025, placing them among the strongest contenders for selection. However, the recruitment process took a dramatic turn after complaints were lodged before the District Selection Committee alleging that the candidates had submitted forged marksheets.

Document Verification Exposed Fraud

Following the complaint, the District Level Grievance Redressal Committee initiated a verification process. The educational institution concerned was asked to authenticate the marksheets submitted by the applicants.

According to official records, the institution informed authorities on January 8, 2026, that both marksheets were fake. Based on this verification report, the District Programme Officer issued an order on May 26, 2026, declaring both candidates ineligible for recruitment.

The order also directed officials to lodge an FIR within seven days, citing the use of forged documents during a government recruitment process.

Court Finds No Merit in Pleas

During the hearing, the petitioners argued against their exclusion from the recruitment process and challenged the direction for criminal proceedings. However, the state government opposed the petitions and presented verification records confirming that the educational documents were not genuine.

Government Advocate Kamal Singh Baghel represented the state and submitted relevant documents before the court.

After reviewing the records, the High Court held that once the marksheets had been officially verified as fake, there was no legal basis for granting further relief. The bench observed that extending additional hearing opportunities in such circumstances would serve no useful purpose and would only consume valuable judicial time.

Impact on Recruitment Process

The ruling reinforces the importance of strict document verification in public recruitment exercises. Recruitment experts say such decisions help maintain fairness and transparency while discouraging candidates from attempting to secure government jobs through forged certificates.

Officials involved in recruitment processes have increasingly relied on direct verification from educational institutions to identify discrepancies and prevent fraudulent appointments.

Delhi AIIMS four-member team conducts second post-mortem at Bhopal AIIMS; family says funeral likely this evening

A four-member team from Delhi AIIMS began a second post-mortem on the body of actress Twisha Sharma at Bhopal AIIMS on Sunday, officials said, as tight security remained in and around the hospital morgue. The development comes amid competing claims from the actress’s natal and marital families and fresh legal and investigative moves, including a direction for possible CBI involvement.

Second post-mortem underway
According to hospital sources, the AIIMS team reached Bhopal late Saturday night and started the judicial procedure early Sunday morning. Police and hospital security personnel were deployed around the mortuary and adjacent corridors to manage access. The entire process is to be video-recorded, as ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Family statement on funeral
Major Harshit, Twisha’s brother, told reporters that the family plans to perform the last rites at Bhadbhada crematorium at 5 pm today, subject to completion of post-mortem formalities. He declined to comment on whether the actress’s husband or in‑laws would attend. The family has also sought swift transfer of the case to the CBI, a demand vocalised by Twisha’s father, Navnidhi Sharma.

Court and probe developments
The case drew national attention after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance and listed the matter for hearing before a bench led by the Chief Justice on Monday. Earlier, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered a second post-mortem, directing that it be led by the AIIMS director and that the police keep the body under safe custody until the procedure is complete.

On Saturday, Bhopal district court sent Twisha’s husband, identified as Samarth Singh, to seven days’ police remand after his production before the magistrate. The court also ordered seizure of his passport. Police said a look-out notice had been issued earlier amid concerns of possible flight from the country.

Sequence of events
Initial police records show Twisha, a 28-year-old actor and daughter-in-law of retired judge Giribala Singh, returned to her residence in the Katara Hills area of Bhopal on the night of May 12. CCTV from the parlour showed her arriving around 6 pm. Samarth told investigators that the couple went for a stroll and later watched television; he said Twisha spoke on the phone with family and then went to another room. He said he later fell asleep and woke to find her missing.

Samarth and family accounts
In statements to police, Samarth said the couple’s relationship had been “normal” after marriage in December 2025 but that Twisha’s behaviour had changed after pregnancy was confirmed on April 17. He said she had travelled to Ajmer and Delhi briefly in April and returned to Bhopal on April 30. Samarth claimed Twisha had left a mark of distress in calls with her mother on the night in question and that his mother discovered Twisha hanging from an elastic exercise band on the terrace.

Police said CPR was administered and Twisha was taken to AIIMS Bhopal, where doctors declared her dead. Investigators, however, maintain that statements are being cross-checked and that Samarth’s account contains inconsistencies. “We are probing the sequence of events on May 12 and will examine all forensic leads,” an officer familiar with the probe said.

Legal fallout
The Bar Council of India on May 22 suspended Samarth’s right to practice; the BCI chairman confirmed the order. In the state High Court, the in‑laws’ request to hand over the body to the husband on religious grounds was rejected. The court has issued notices to multiple parties, including retired judge Giribala Singh, whose anticipatory bail the father has challenged.

State and central involvement
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said the state government had written to the Centre for CBI assistance; officials told reporters the state has conveyed willingness for central investigation. The father’s delegation met the chief minister on May 20 seeking an independent probe; the CM reportedly assured cooperation.

What happens next
Police said Samarth will be questioned further, including on the spot where the incident occurred and on movements from the day in question up to his arrest. Investigators plan to recreate timelines and collate CCTV and call data records. The second post-mortem report — expected later Sunday — could shape the next legal steps, including the family’s decision on where final rites will be held.

Hearings are scheduled in both the High Court and local courts on Monday and Tuesday: the High Court will continue its oversight while a Bhopal district court will hear an application to cancel Giribala Singh’s anticipatory bail.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has imposed an interim stay on the recruitment process for AYUSH medical officers, including Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani doctors, in the state. The order was passed by the Jabalpur bench of the High Court while hearing petitions challenging the denial of reservation benefits to contractual doctors who have completed five years of continuous service.

The matter has emerged as a major India News Update related to government recruitment and reservation policy in Madhya Pradesh. The decision is expected to affect the ongoing recruitment process conducted through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC).

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf issued notices to the state government and the MPPSC seeking their response in the matter. During the hearing, the state government requested additional time to file its reply before the court. Representing the state, the Additional Advocate General sought two days’ time to submit the response, which was accepted by the bench. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 23, 2026.

The High Court, while passing the interim order, stayed all further proceedings related to the recruitment advertisements issued on December 31, 2025. This means the appointment process for AYUSH medical officers will remain suspended until further directions from the court. According to the petitions filed before the court, contractual AYUSH doctors who completed five years of continuous service were not being granted the benefit of 50 percent reservation in the regular recruitment process.

The petitioners argued that the state government itself had issued a notification on March 11, 2025, providing reservation benefits to contractual medical officers working in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani departments after completion of five years of service, provided they were working on equivalent posts. However, despite the notification, the recruitment advertisements issued by MPPSC allegedly failed to extend the reservation benefit to eligible contractual doctors.

Senior advocate Naman Nagarath, appearing on behalf of the petitioners, argued before the court that all contractual AYUSH doctors were already performing duties on the same posts for which recruitment had been announced. He submitted that the only difference between contractual and regular officers was related to salary structure and service conditions. Denying reservation benefits solely on the basis of different pay scales was unjustified and contrary to the government notification, he argued.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel also referred to an earlier contempt case in which the state government had reportedly acknowledged that the AYUSH department approached the National Health Commission seeking parity in salary structure for contractual doctors. The petitioners claimed this itself established that contractual doctors were functioning on equivalent posts and therefore deserved reservation benefits under the notified policy.

The court’s interim order has brought temporary relief to thousands of contractual AYUSH doctors working across Madhya Pradesh. Many of these doctors have been demanding implementation of reservation benefits in regular appointments for several years. Medical associations and contractual employees’ groups welcomed the High Court’s intervention and said the decision has provided hope to doctors serving in remote and rural areas under contractual arrangements.

Several AYUSH doctors stated that despite years of service in government health facilities, they were not receiving the same opportunities and benefits available to regular employees. They argued that the reservation policy announced by the state government should be implemented uniformly during recruitment. The recruitment process had been initiated to fill vacant posts in Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani departments across the state. Officials said the appointments were aimed at strengthening healthcare services, especially in rural and semi-urban regions where AYUSH services remain in high demand.

Legal experts believe the outcome of the case could have wider implications for future government recruitment policies involving contractual employees in Madhya Pradesh. The dispute has also raised broader questions regarding service parity and reservation eligibility for long-serving contractual workers. Observers noted that the High Court’s order reflects the judiciary’s focus on ensuring that recruitment rules and government notifications are implemented fairly and consistently.

The state government is now expected to present its detailed stand regarding the recruitment policy and reservation provisions during the next hearing. The court’s final decision may determine how reservation benefits are extended to contractual AYUSH doctors in future recruitment drives.

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