New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera has been granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court of India in a case related to defamation and alleged forgery filed in Assam.
Top Court Overturns High Court Decision
A bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AS Chandurkar set aside the earlier order of the Gauhati High Court, which had rejected Khera’s anticipatory bail plea. The Supreme Court observed that the circumstances of the case indicate elements of political rivalry and stressed the need to protect the personal liberty of the accused.
Allegations Linked to Press Conference
The case stems from statements made by Khera during a recent press conference, where he alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed assets abroad. Following these claims, a case was registered against him on charges including defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
Legal Journey Across Courts
Khera initially approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail. On April 10, the court granted him temporary protection for one week, allowing him time to move the appropriate court in Assam for regular relief.
Supreme Court’s Earlier Intervention
However, on April 15, the Government of Assam challenged this order, after which the Supreme Court put a stay on the Telangana High Court’s decision. Two days later, on April 17, the apex court declined to extend the interim protection and directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court.