Overview
- The Meghalaya High Court dismissed the state’s appeal on Monday and refused to cancel the Shillong court’s April order that released Sonam on bail.
- Both courts found arrest paperwork repeatedly cited Section 403(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita instead of Section 103(1), which defines murder, and said the errors deprived Sonam of clear written notice of the charge.
- Judges described the arrest documents as template‑based and showing a “total non‑application of judicious mind,” noting irrelevant entries such as a claim she was an armed‑forces deserter.
- Police have filed a chargesheet of more than 700 pages alleging a premeditated conspiracy involving Sonam and an alleged lover, Raj Kushwaha, and the trial is ongoing despite her release on bond and surety of Rs 50,000 with court restrictions.
- Raja Raghuvanshi’s family has said it will move the Supreme Court to seek cancellation of bail, a step that could prompt a higher‑court review and renewed scrutiny of police arrest procedures.