Supreme Court To Hear Meghalaya Government’s Plea Against Sonam Raghuvanshi’s Bail On Thursday
New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear on Thursday the Meghalaya government’s plea challenging the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the sensational Raja Raghuvanshi honeymoon murder case. The state has sought cancellation of the bail, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the case warrant her continued custody pending trial.
The hearing assumes significance as it comes just days after the Meghalaya High Court upheld an earlier order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi. The High Court had dismissed the state’s appeal, ruling that procedural lapses during her arrest including the failure to furnish proper written grounds of arrest in accordance with constitutional safeguards could not be overlooked.
The Meghalaya government has now approached the apex court, seeking to overturn the High Court’s decision. According to legal filings, the state contends that the bail order deserves reconsideration in view of the gravity of the offence and the larger interests of justice. The Supreme Court has agreed to take up the matter on Thursday.
The case stems from the alleged murder of Indore based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Raja and his wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, had travelled to Sohra (Cherrapunji) shortly after their marriage before mysteriously going missing. Raja’s body was later recovered from a gorge near Wei Sawdong Falls, triggering a high profile investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Investigators alleged that Sonam Raghuvanshi conspired with multiple co-accused to orchestrate her husband’s murder. Police claimed she hired contract killers to execute the crime, an allegation she has consistently denied. The case attracted nationwide attention due to its dramatic twists and extensive investigation spanning multiple states.
While granting bail earlier this year, the trial court had held that the investigating agency failed to comply with mandatory legal requirements during Sonam’s arrest. The Meghalaya High Court later endorsed this view, observing that constitutional protections under Article 22(1) regarding communication of grounds of arrest had not been properly followed.
The decision sparked strong reactions from Raja Raghuvanshi’s family, who have repeatedly maintained that Sonam should remain in custody until the trial concludes. Following the High Court verdict, family members welcomed the state’s decision to move the Supreme Court, expressing hope that the bail order would be set aside.
The Supreme Court’s hearing on Thursday is expected to determine whether Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain on bail or face a return to judicial custody while the murder trial proceeds. Its ruling could also clarify the balance between procedural safeguards during arrest and the considerations governing bail in serious criminal cases.
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