'An exception...': Why Supreme Court refused to send Sonam Raghuvanshi back to jail

Supreme Court cites 'exception' while refusing to cancel Sonam Raghuvanshi's bail immediately

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to immediately cancel the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the alleged murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. However, the apex court made it clear that its decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the Meghalaya High Court's reasoning for granting bail.

A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu admitted the Meghalaya government's appeal challenging the High Court's June 29 order and issued notice to Sonam Raghuvanshi. During the hearing, the bench expressed prima facie reservations over the High Court judgment, observing that the reasoning adopted in the bail order required closer examination.

Why did the Supreme Court refuse to send her back to jail?

The court noted that Sonam had already been released from prison after securing bail and was complying with the conditions imposed by the trial court. Since the bail order had already been implemented, the bench described the situation as an "exception" and declined to stay the order immediately, even though it agreed to examine the state's challenge on merits.

Legal experts say courts are generally cautious about sending an accused back into custody after a bail order has already taken effect unless there are compelling reasons, such as misuse of bail or a strong prima facie case warranting immediate intervention.

Meghalaya government challenges bail

Representing the Meghalaya government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the allegations against Sonam were extremely serious and contended that bail should not have been granted on what he described as technical grounds. The state has questioned the High Court's reliance on procedural lapses in the arrest documents while granting bail.

The High Court had upheld an earlier trial court order granting bail after finding procedural deficiencies in the arrest process, including errors in the arrest memo relating to the applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Supreme Court indicated that these findings would be examined in detail during the hearing of the appeal.

Trial to continue

While Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain out on bail for now, the Supreme Court's decision does not settle the criminal case. The bench clarified that it has only declined to suspend the bail order at this stage and will hear the Meghalaya government's appeal before deciding whether the High Court's order should ultimately stand.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, an Indore-based businessman who was found dead in Meghalaya during the couple's honeymoon in 2025. Sonam and several co-accused face charges in connection with the alleged conspiracy and murder. The trial before the competent court will continue independently of the proceedings concerning her bail.