A powerful statement made in the Supreme Court during the hearing of the high-profile Twisha Sharma case has triggered nationwide discussion on dowry harassment, toxic marriages, and women’s safety in India.
During the Supreme Court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Madhya Pradesh government, reportedly said, “It is better to have a divorced daughter than a dead one.” The emotional remark came while the apex court was hearing the suspicious death case of actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was found dead at her matrimonial home in Bhopal earlier this month.
The statement quickly went viral across social media platforms and news channels, with many people calling it a harsh but important reflection of societal pressure surrounding marriage and divorce in India. Several activists and legal experts said the comment highlights how many families still force women to remain in abusive relationships due to fear of social stigma attached to divorce.
Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her in-laws’ residence in Bhopal on May 12, 2026, just months after her marriage. Her family accused her husband and in-laws of dowry harassment, mental torture, and physical abuse. The accused family, however, denied the allegations and claimed it was a suicide case.
The case became a national issue after allegations emerged regarding procedural irregularities and possible institutional bias during the early stages of the investigation. Due to increasing public pressure and widespread outrage, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and began directly monitoring developments in the case.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also instructed potential witnesses and accused individuals not to make statements to the media, emphasizing the need for a fair investigation without external influence. The bench clarified that it had not yet expressed any opinion regarding the truthfulness of the allegations.
The Centre informed the court that the investigation may soon be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure transparency and public confidence in the probe. Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly stressed the importance of an impartial investigation in such a sensitive case.
The case has reignited debate across India about dowry harassment, emotional abuse in marriages, and the societal mindset that often discourages women from leaving unhappy or dangerous relationships. Women’s rights groups argued that the tragedy should become a wake-up call for families to prioritize safety and mental well-being over social image.
Many legal experts believe the Supreme Court’s strong observations and the government’s statement could influence future conversations around domestic abuse laws, women’s protection mechanisms, and family support systems in India.