The Meghalaya High Court has upheld the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the honeymoon murder case, dismissing the state government's petition seeking its cancellation. Justice W Diengdoh, presiding over a single-judge bench, ruled against the state's criminal petition on June 29, 2026, affirming the trial court's decision dated April 27, 2026.
Background of the case
The case involves the murder of a woman during her honeymoon trip in Meghalaya, with Sonam Raghuvanshi being the primary suspect. The trial court had granted bail to Raghuvanshi on April 27, citing lack of sufficient evidence to warrant continued detention. The state government challenged this order, arguing that the accused posed a flight risk and could tamper with evidence.
High Court's reasoning
Justice Diengdoh, after reviewing the submissions, found no grounds to cancel the bail. The court noted that the trial court had exercised its discretion judiciously and that the state had failed to demonstrate any supervening circumstances that would justify revocation of bail. The judgment emphasized that bail is the rule and jail is the exception, a principle upheld under Indian criminal jurisprudence.
Impact and next steps
The decision means Sonam Raghuvanshi will remain out on bail pending trial. The case continues to be monitored closely, with the next hearing scheduled for July 2026. The state government may consider further legal options, including a possible appeal to the Supreme Court, though no official statement has been made yet.
