The Supreme Court of India on Friday stayed the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, providing temporary relief to the Meghalaya government, which had challenged the bail order before the apex court.

The matter came up for hearing after the Meghalaya government moved the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Sonam. The state argued that the relief was granted because of a typographical error in the police documents and sought immediate intervention to prevent her release while the case is under trial.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during the couple's honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Investigators have alleged that Sonam Raghuvanshi was the key conspirator in the murder and that the crime was carried out with the help of hired assailants. The allegations are currently being examined during the trial, and the accused has denied wrongdoing.

Earlier this week, the Meghalaya High Court had upheld a Shillong court's order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi after dismissing the state's appeal. The High Court had observed that the lower court's order did not warrant interference, although a detailed judgment is awaited.

Following the High Court's decision, the Meghalaya government promptly approached the Supreme Court, maintaining that the bail order stemmed from an error in the police records. According to the state, a typographical mistake in mentioning the relevant legal provision played a role in the grant of bail, and the issue required urgent correction.

During Friday's proceedings, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the bail order, meaning Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain in custody until further directions from the court. The stay does not amount to a final decision on the merits of the bail dispute, and the matter will continue to be heard by the apex court.

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case has attracted nationwide attention since the businessman from Indore was found dead in Meghalaya after the couple went missing during their honeymoon. The investigation led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi and other accused, with the Meghalaya Police filing a detailed chargesheet in the case.

The Supreme Court's interim order marks the latest legal development in the high-profile case. Further proceedings are expected as the court considers the Meghalaya government's plea seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the main accused.