Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Sonam Raghuvanshi's Bail
Although the apex court expressed prima facie reservations about the Meghalaya High Court's reasoning, it allowed the bail to continue, noting that Sonam Raghuvanshi had already been released in Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case.
The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, while agreeing to hear the Meghalaya government's challenge to the bail order. Although the apex court expressed prima facie reservations about the Meghalaya High Court's reasoning, it allowed the bail to continue, noting that Sonam had already been released, as reported by TOI.
Supreme Court Issues Notice on State's Plea
A Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu issued notice to Sonam Raghuvanshi on the Meghalaya government's petition challenging the High Court's order that upheld her bail. Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: Prime Accused Sonam Raghuvanshi Granted Bail by Shillong Court.
Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the High Court's decision was flawed and sought an immediate stay on the bail. However, the Supreme Court declined to suspend the order at this stage and directed the respondent to file a reply before the next hearing.
Bail Granted Over Procedural Lapse
The Meghalaya High Court had earlier upheld the bail granted by a Shillong trial court after finding procedural deficiencies in the arrest process. The court observed that the grounds of arrest had not been effectively communicated to Sonam, a constitutional safeguard available to every arrested person. The state has challenged that finding, contending that the bail resulted from a typographical error in the arrest memo and should not outweigh the evidence collected during the investigation. Sonam Raghuvanshi Confesses to Her Role in Killing of Husband Raja Raghuvanshi During Their Honeymoon in Meghalaya: Report.
Background of the Murder Case
The case stems from the death of Indore resident Raja Raghuvanshi, who was allegedly murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Police allege that Sonam Raghuvanshi conspired with others to kill her husband during the trip.
Following Raja's death, the Meghalaya Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and arrested Sonam along with other accused. Investigators have alleged that the murder was pre-planned, an allegation denied by the defence. The trial in the case is yet to conclude.
While refusing to stay the bail, the Supreme Court made it clear that it would examine the legal issues raised by the Meghalaya government regarding the High Court's order. The matter is expected to be taken up again after Sonam files her response. The court's latest order means Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain on bail until the Supreme Court decides the state's appeal on merits.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2026 03:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
