The Meghalaya High Court on Monday did not hear the state government's petition challenging the bail granted to Sonam, the prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi, due to a lack of time. The court has scheduled the matter for hearing on May 20.
The presiding judge, Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, deferred the hearing as he was occupied with other cases. This postponement comes after the court had previously heard the state's criminal petition on May 12, which contested the bail granted to Sonam by a lower court.
Sonam was granted conditional bail by Additional District Commissioner (Judicial), Shillong, Dashalene R Kharbteng, on April 27, citing procedural lapses during her arrest. The state government, however, argued that the accused was aware of the grounds of her arrest and submitted supporting documents in court on May 4, seeking to revoke her bail.
Raja, an Indore-based transport businessman, was murdered in Sohra (Cherrapunji) in May 2025 by a hired gang of killers, allegedly at the behest of his wife during their honeymoon trip. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings.
The state government's petition aims to overturn the lower court's decision, asserting that the bail was granted despite procedural shortcomings. The High Court's next hearing on May 20 will be crucial in determining the course of the case.
