The Supreme Court overturned the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the main suspect in the Raja Raghuvanshi honeymoon murder case, instructing her to surrender within three weeks. The Meghalaya government’s appeal against the High Court’s bail decision was accepted by a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale. The court emphasized the importance of distinguishing between non-service of arrest grounds and alleged inadequacy in the details provided.
The apex court clarified that Sonam had acknowledged receiving the arrest grounds and other relevant documents before the Magistrate. It was highlighted that the courts erred in granting bail based on the Supreme Court’s judgment. The court also mentioned that even if an arrest is found defective, the investigating agency can make a fresh arrest for further investigation.
While acknowledging that bail is generally preferred over jail, the court noted that Sonam’s previous bail applications had been rejected on merit. The court expressed concerns that continued bail might disrupt the ongoing trial. Sonam Raghuvanshi was directed to surrender within three weeks, with the option to reapply for bail if the trial extends beyond six months.
The Meghalaya government argued that Sonam had surrendered to the police, countering claims of improper communication of arrest grounds. Sonam’s counsel contended that she was arrested, not surrendered, and that the arrest documents did not adequately communicate the grounds. Despite progress in the trial, the court rejected the plea regarding the arrest grounds raised after previous bail rejections.
