Supreme Court Sets Aside Bail For Sonam Raghuvanshi In Honeymoon Murder

The Supreme Court has set aside the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the alleged murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. A Bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale ruled that the lower courts erred in granting relief based on technical defects in the communication of arrest grounds.

Sonam had argued that her arrest violated proper procedures because the grounds of arrest cited Section 403(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita instead of Section 103(1). While the trial and High Courts previously accepted this contention to grant bail, the apex court distinguished between a complete failure to serve arrest grounds and the supply of inadequate particulars.

The apex court directed Sonam to surrender within three weeks, emphasizing that her continued freedom could hinder the ongoing trial. The Bench clarified that she may move a fresh bail application if the trial concludes without a verdict within six months.