New Delhi, May 23 (H.S.): The Bar Council of India (BCI) has suspended, with immediate effect, the licence of advocate Samarth Singh, who has been accused in the death case of his wife, Twisha Sharma.

Addressing journalists in New Delhi on Saturday, BCI Chairman and Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra described the matter as extremely serious. He said that based on the preliminary investigation, as well as allegations made by the prosecution and the family of Twisha Sharma, it appears that Samarth Singh was involved in the murder of his wife.

Mishra stated that Samarth Singh has not been cooperating with the investigation and is absconding while allegedly attempting to tamper with evidence. He said such conduct, particularly in the face of grave allegations, is completely unacceptable for any respectable citizen, especially for a practising lawyer.

The BCI Chairman said that in view of the seriousness of the accusations, the Bar Council has decided that such an individual cannot be permitted to continue practising law. He added that a notice has been issued to Samarth Singh and disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against him.

According to Mishra, the matter will now be heard by the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council. Further action will be determined on the basis of the investigation report and the court’s final verdict, but for the present, Samarth Singh will not be allowed to practise as an advocate.

Mishra further said that serious allegations have also been levelled against Samarth Singh’s mother, who is a former district judge. The BCI is currently examining whether, after her retirement, she had reactivated her licence to practise law.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar