SC directs her to surrender in three weeks; Raja’s family seeks fast-track trial
NEW DELHI, July 23: In major relief to the Meghalaya government, the Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of murdering her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in the state last year, and directed her to surrender within three weeks.
A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale set aside the Meghalaya High Court order that had freed her on technical grounds, observing that the allegations against her were “quite serious.”
The court said she would be free to apply for bail again after six months if the trial is not completed by then.
The couple, both from Indore, had gone missing while vacationing in Sohra on May 23, 2025. Raja’s body was recovered from a deep gorge on June 2. Police allege Sonam conspired with her alleged lover and three hired killers to murder her husband for financial gain. She was arrested on June 9, 2025, and spent over 10 months in judicial custody in Shillong before being released on bail.
During the hearing, the bench and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Meghalaya government, reflected on changing social structures.
Mehta said the joint family system earlier helped resolve marital conflicts, but nuclear families leave couples isolated, leading to rising separations and depression.
“Modern-day generation is restless. They want quick solutions to problems,” Justice Sundresh observed, adding that while the present generation may be more knowledgeable, it is more vulnerable to pressure.
Justice Varale noted that information circulating on WhatsApp is often mistaken for knowledge.
Besides the SG, Advocate General of Meghalaya Amit Kumar and Standing Counsel Avijit Mani Tripathi also represented the state.
Raja’s family welcomed the order. His father Ashok Raghuvanshi said it had renewed their hope of justice after more than a year of grief.
“Sonam deserves the death penalty,” he said.
Raja’s mother Uma Raghuvanshi expressed relief that “a woman like Sonam should not have been out of jail,” while elder brother Vipin said the family feared evidence tampering and demanded a fast-track trial. (With PTI inputs)
