Pawan Khera news : The Supreme Court of India on Thursday (April 30) heard a petition filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera, challenging the Gauhati High Court order that denied him anticipatory bail. The case stems from an FIR lodged by Assam Police over his alleged remarks targeting the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar heard the matter and reserved its order after arguments from both sides.
Khera’s Counsel Questions Intent Behind Case
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued that the case was not about the truth of the allegations but appeared to be aimed at humiliating his client through arrest. Referring to statements allegedly made by Sarma, Singhvi said the tone of the controversy indicated a personal vendetta.
He added that Khera has no objection to cooperating with the investigation but questioned the need for custodial interrogation. Singhvi also argued that issues raised about alleged foreign assets could be examined during trial, and should not be grounds for denying anticipatory bail at this stage.
Centre Opposes Bail, Calls Allegations Serious
Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Khera’s press conference included dramatic claims and visuals suggesting fake foreign properties and passports. He said the complaint clearly alleges fabrication of documents to defame an individual.
Mehta emphasized that preliminary investigation without custody has already indicated the allegations were false. He argued that custodial interrogation is necessary to trace the origin of the alleged fake documents, including possible foreign links and forged seals.
Court Told of Non-Cooperation
The Solicitor General further claimed that Khera has not fully cooperated with investigators and has been releasing video statements from undisclosed locations instead of appearing before authorities. Both the magistrate court and the high court, he said, had already denied anticipatory bail considering the seriousness of the case.
Order Awaited
After hearing detailed submissions from both sides, the Supreme Court bench reserved its verdict. The final order will determine whether Khera gets protection from arrest in the ongoing investigation.