Sonam Raghuvanshi won't go back to jail: Supreme Court ruling in Meghalaya honeymoon murder

Supreme Court refuses to cancel Sonam Raghuvanshi's bail in high-profile honeymoon murder case

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay or cancel the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the alleged murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. The decision means Sonam will not be sent back to jail and will continue to remain on bail as the trial proceeds.

The apex court was hearing a plea challenging an earlier order of the Meghalaya High Court, which had upheld the bail granted to Sonam by a Shillong court. After considering the submissions, the Supreme Court found no immediate grounds to interfere with the High Court's decision, allowing the bail order to remain in force.

The case has drawn nationwide attention since Raja Raghuvanshi, a resident of Indore, was allegedly murdered during the couple's honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Investigators accused Sonam of conspiring with others to kill her husband, allegations that she has consistently denied. The prosecution has described the incident as a premeditated murder, while the defence has challenged several aspects of the investigation.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that the grant of bail had already been examined by the High Court and did not warrant interference at this stage. The bench clarified that its refusal to cancel bail should not be construed as a comment on the merits of the criminal case, which will be decided during trial based on the evidence presented before the trial court.

The Meghalaya government had approached the apex court seeking cancellation of Sonam's bail, arguing that the seriousness of the offence justified her continued custody. However, the Supreme Court was not persuaded to suspend the High Court's order.

The ruling has elicited contrasting reactions from both families. While Sonam's legal team welcomed the decision as a reaffirmation of the High Court's order, Raja Raghuvanshi's family expressed disappointment, maintaining that they would continue to pursue justice through the ongoing trial.

With the Supreme Court declining to intervene, the criminal proceedings will now continue before the trial court, where the prosecution and defence are expected to present evidence and examine witnesses. The final determination of guilt or innocence will be made only after completion of the trial.