Supreme Court Addresses Rising Domestic Violence Cases Amid Changing Social Dynamics
Supreme Court's Insights on Domestic Violence
File image of Sonam in police custody after surrender in Ghazipur. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, Jul 23: The Supreme Court remarked on Thursday that incidents similar to the case of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who stands accused of murdering her husband Raja Raghuvanshi during their honeymoon in 2025, are likely to occur in a society that is evolving.
A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale noted that while the current generation may possess greater knowledge, they are also more susceptible to stress.
This statement was made while the court annulled the bail previously granted to Sonam, instructing her to report to the police within three weeks.
Justice Sundresh commented, "Such occurrences are inevitable in a transforming society... The modern generation is impatient and seeks immediate resolutions to their issues. We will witness an increase in cases related to personal laws."
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Meghalaya government, pointed out that although today's youth have access to more information through social media, they lack true understanding.
Justice Varale added that in contemporary times, information shared on platforms like WhatsApp is often mistaken for genuine knowledge.
Mehta further elaborated, "There are humorous videos depicting husbands on honeymoons accompanied by bodyguards. The trust and bond between spouses are deteriorating. Previously, the joint family system played a crucial role in nurturing relationships."
In response, the bench remarked, "Being part of a joint family teaches one to cope with disappointments and adapt. In a nuclear family, minor issues can lead to significant agitation."
Mehta cited a report indicating that depression rates are escalating due to the nuclear family structure.
Justice Sundresh remarked, "Children learn from their extended family. Recently, I observed a child crying in a hotel, and the parents immediately handed them a mobile device to quiet them. This highlights a broader issue—replacing emotional support with gadgets."
Sonam, who hails from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, was apprehended in June last year concerning the murder of her husband, a businessman. The couple had gone missing during their vacation in Sohra, Meghalaya, on May 23 last year, and Raja's body was discovered in a gorge on June 2, 2025.
The police allege that Sonam plotted with hired attackers to eliminate her husband for financial benefits.