Supreme Court moots cancelling bail of Meghalaya honeymoon murder accused Sonam Raghuvanshi

The Supreme Court on Tuesday indicated it may cancel the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the woman accused in the 2023 Meghalaya honeymoon murder case. The court gave her two options — surrender voluntarily or face the cancellation of her bail.

Court questions delay in raising arguments

During the hearing, the bench questioned why certain key points were not raised earlier in the proceedings. The judges noted that the delay in bringing these matters before the court could not be ignored.

The court's observations come as a significant development in a case that has gripped national attention. Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested along with her alleged lover for the murder of her husband, Avinash, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.

Brother-in-law alleges consistent lies

Speaking to reporters after the hearing, the victim's brother alleged that Sonam has been lying from the very beginning of the investigation. He claimed that her statements have been inconsistent with the evidence collected by the police.

"She has been misleading the court and the investigators at every step," the brother-in-law told journalists outside the Supreme Court premises. He urged the court to take a strict view of her conduct.

Background of the case

Avinash and Sonam were on their honeymoon in Meghalaya in 2023 when Avinash was found dead under suspicious circumstances. The initial investigation suggested a case of murder, and Sonam and her alleged accomplice were arrested.

The case has seen multiple twists since then, including Sonam's bail being granted by a lower court. The prosecution has consistently argued that she poses a flight risk and may tamper with evidence if allowed to remain free.

What the court said

The Supreme Court bench, while hearing the prosecution's plea for cancellation of bail, made it clear that it was not satisfied with the conduct of the accused. The judges observed that the allegations against her are serious and that the bail conditions may need to be reconsidered.

"You have two options: either surrender or we will cancel your bail," the court reportedly told Sonam's counsel. The matter has been posted for further hearing later this week.

The court also questioned the delay in raising the argument that Sonam had been lying about her whereabouts on the day of the murder. The bench noted that such crucial facts should have been brought to light much earlier in the proceedings.

The case has now become a focal point for discussions around the judicial process in high-profile murder cases, especially those involving allegations of conspiracy and deceit.

The next hearing is expected to see the court take a final decision on the bail cancellation plea. Meanwhile, the victim's family continues to demand justice, asserting that the evidence against Sonam is overwhelming.

All eyes will now be on the Supreme Court's final order, which could set a precedent for how courts handle bail in cases where the accused's conduct is under scrutiny.