SC Reserves Verdict on Pawan Khera’s Anticipatory Bail Plea

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday moved the Supreme Court of India after the Gauhati High Court refused to grant him anticipatory bail in a defamation and forgery case registered by the Assam Police. Khera had approached the apex court after the Gauhati High Court refused to grant him protection from arrest in connection with a defamation and forgery case registered by the Assam Police. The case was filed following allegations against him, after which Assam Police initiated legal proceedings. Seeking relief, the Congress leader moved the Supreme Court, contesting the High Court’s order. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Supreme Court reserved its judgment, with the final decision expected at a later date. The case against Khera stems from allegations he made ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, where he claimed that the wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma possessed passports from three different countries. The statement triggered a major political controversy in the state. Subsequently, the Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma , filed a complaint with the Crime Branch, accusing Khera of spreading false and defamatory information. Based on the complaint, a case was registered against the Congress leader under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to spreading false information during elections, cheating, forgery, use of fabricated electronic records, and defamation. Earlier, Khera had secured interim relief from the Telangana High Court. However, following a plea by the Assam government, the Supreme Court of India directed him to approach the appropriate court in Assam for anticipatory bail. After hearing the matter, the Gauhati High Court declined to grant him relief, clearing the way for possible arrest. Also Read: Shyamkanu Mahanta’s Wife Says Viral Audio Clip Voice Is Not Hers