The Meghalaya government has approached the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Sonam, one of the prime accused in the murder of journalist Raja Raghuvanshi. The state government's petition challenges the order of the Meghalaya High Court which had granted bail to Sonam on June 25, 2026.
Background of the Case
Raja Raghuvanshi, a journalist working with a local news portal, was brutally murdered in Shillong in January 2025. The case drew widespread condemnation from press freedom bodies and human rights organizations. Sonam, along with several others, was arrested in connection with the murder. The investigation revealed that Raghuvanshi had been covering alleged illegal mining and political corruption, which may have been the motive behind his killing.
According to the state government's affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Sonam's release on bail poses a serious threat to witnesses and could hamper the ongoing investigation. The government argued that the High Court overlooked the gravity of the offense and the likelihood of the accused tampering with evidence.
Legal Arguments
Senior Advocate representing Meghalaya stated, "The accused has a history of intimidating witnesses. Granting bail in such a heinous crime sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the rule of law." He further emphasized that the trial is at a critical stage and the accused's presence is required for the completion of the investigation.
Sonam's defense counsel, however, countered that the High Court's order was well-reasoned and that the accused has been in custody for over 18 months without trial. They argued that the prosecution's case is weak and based on circumstantial evidence.
Impact on Press Freedom
The murder of Raja Raghuvanshi had sparked protests across India, with journalists demanding justice and better protection for media professionals. The case is seen as a test of the state's commitment to ensuring safety for journalists. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter next week, and a decision could have far-reaching implications for similar cases.
According to data from the Press Council of India, at least 10 journalists have been killed in India in the past five years, with most cases remaining unresolved. The Meghalaya government's move to challenge the bail is being closely watched by press freedom advocates.
