In a significant development in the sensational Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, the Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the alleged murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi. However, the apex court made it clear that it has serious reservations about the reasoning adopted by the Meghalaya High Court while granting her relief.
The Meghalaya government had approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent stay on Sonam’s bail, arguing that the High Court had granted relief based on a minor clerical mistake in the arrest documents. According to the state, a typographical error in the arrest memo should not have been treated as a sufficient ground for granting bail in a murder case of such gravity.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Meghalaya government, submitted that the mistake involved the incorrect mention of a legal provision in the arrest papers. He argued that Sonam had been fully informed of the allegations against her and that the procedural error caused no prejudice to her rights. The state further warned that allowing bail on such technical grounds could weaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Despite expressing prima facie doubts over the High Court’s reasoning, the Supreme Court declined to immediately suspend Sonam’s bail. The court has decided to examine the legal issues in greater detail before passing any final orders on the Meghalaya government’s plea challenging the High Court’s decision.
The case dates back to May 2025, when newlyweds Raja and Sonam Raghuvanshi travelled to Meghalaya for their honeymoon. The couple went missing shortly after checking out of a homestay in Sohra (Cherrapunji). Days later, Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge, prompting a murder investigation by the Meghalaya Police.
The investigation took a dramatic turn after police alleged that Sonam had conspired to murder her husband with the help of hired killers. She was arrested in June 2025 after remaining untraceable for over two weeks. Investigators claimed to have gathered evidence, including CCTV footage, witness statements, and mobile phone records, linking her to the alleged conspiracy. Sonam, however, has consistently denied the allegations, while her family has questioned the police investigation.
The Meghalaya High Court had earlier upheld the bail granted to Sonam, citing serious deficiencies in the arrest documentation, including the incorrect mention of legal provisions. The ruling sparked widespread debate, with Raja Raghuvanshi’s family expressing disappointment and demanding that the bail be cancelled.
With the Supreme Court now taking up the matter, the legal battle has entered a crucial phase. While Sonam continues to remain on bail for now, the apex court’s observations indicate that the validity of the High Court’s order will undergo close judicial scrutiny. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications not only for the high-profile murder trial but also for how procedural lapses are treated in serious criminal cases.
