Santosh Shitole, Indore15 hours ago
Following a major setback in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Sonam Raghuvanshi’s legal troubles have deepened after the Supreme Court cancelled her bail. The court has directed her to surrender within three weeks and instructed the trial court to complete the hearing and deliver its verdict within six months.
The order raises several key questions: When will Sonam return to jail? Can she obtain bail again? Will she spend this year’s major festivals behind bars?
Three key directions issued by the Supreme Court
1. Bail cancelled- During the hearing on 23 July, the Supreme Court rejected Sonam Raghuvanshi’s bail and ordered that she be taken back into custody.
2. Three-week deadline to surrender- The court directed the accused to surrender before the concerned court within three weeks, which is expected to be around 13 August.
3. Trial to be completed within six months- The Supreme Court instructed the trial court to complete the hearing and pronounce its verdict within six months. The court also clarified that if the trial is not concluded within this period, Sonam will be entitled to apply for regular bail again.
Could she spend this year’s festivals in jail?
If Sonam is unable to secure regular bail after surrendering, she is likely to remain in custody during several major festivals this year. The holy month of Sawan runs from 30 July to 28 August, during which Hariyali Teej, the Sawan Mondays (Somwar) and other religious festivals are observed.
Her surrender deadline also falls during this period.
Time spent in custody so far
Sonam Raghuvanshi was located in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on 9 June 2025. She was initially placed in police remand, followed by judicial custody, before later being granted bail. Following the Supreme Court’s latest order, if she surrenders within the stipulated period, she is expected to return to jail during the second half of August.
Vipin Raghuvanshi, Raja Raghuvanshi’s brother.
Why is the six-month trial deadline significant?
The Supreme Court said the trial should be completed within six months to ensure that the case does not remain pending indefinitely and that both the victim’s family and the accused receive timely justice.
The deadline also carries legal significance for the accused. If the trial court is unable to deliver its verdict within six months, Sonam will have the legal right to seek regular bail again.
Raja Raghuvanshi’s family welcomes the ruling
Raja Raghuvanshi’s family has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. His mother, Uma Raghuvanshi, and brother, Vipin Raghuvanshi, described the ruling as a significant step towards justice.
They expressed hope that the trial would now be completed within the stipulated six-month period and that the family would finally receive justice.
