The High Court of Meghalaya on Wednesday deferred the hearing on the state government's petition against the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband Raja. The matter has been posted for May 21.
Hearing Postponed
The High Court postponed the hearing for a day after the counsel for the accused sought additional time to prepare arguments. On May 18, the court had not taken up the matter as the presiding judge was occupied with other cases and deferred the hearing to May 20. It has now been postponed again to May 21.
A single bench of Justice Wanlura Diengdoh had on May 12 heard the criminal petition filed by the Meghalaya government challenging the bail granted to Sonam by a lower court. The state government argued that the bail was granted erroneously and sought its revocation.
Background of the Case
Sonam Raghuvanshi was granted conditional bail by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Judicial), Shillong, Dashalene R. Kharbteng, on April 27. The lower court cited procedural lapses during her arrest, noting that she was not made aware of the correct section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) under which she was held.
The state government has maintained that the accused was fully aware of the grounds of her arrest. Supporting documents were submitted in court on May 4, seeking revocation of the bail. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem also stated that Sonam was made fully aware by the police that she was being arrested for murder. He attributed the bail to a 'clerical error' in mentioning the BNS provision.
The Murder
Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi was murdered at Sohra (Cherrapunji) in May 2025. He was killed 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 next hearing on May 21 will determine whether the High Court will revoke the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi or uphold the lower court's decision. The state government remains firm in its stance that the accused should not be granted bail given the severity of the charges.
