Guwahati, April 15: The Supreme Court of India is set to hear on April 15 a petition filed by the Assam government challenging the anticipatory bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with alleged defamatory remarks against Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.
The legal dispute stems from an April 10 order of the Telangana High Court, which granted Khera three-week transit anticipatory bail with conditions, enabling him to approach a competent court for regular bail.
The case relates to statements made by Khera during a press conference on April 5, where he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed multiple passports and undisclosed foreign assets not mentioned in the election affidavit ahead of the April 9 Assam Assembly polls. The allegations were firmly denied by the Sarma family.
Subsequently, a case was registered against Khera at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges linked to defamation and statements likely to cause public mischief.
In its order, the Telangana High Court observed that Khera had demonstrated a reasonable apprehension of arrest and granted him limited protection, directing him to cooperate with the investigation, remain available for questioning, and not leave the country without prior court approval.
The Assam government has now approached the apex court, contending that Khera’s remarks could prejudice the ongoing investigation and seeking appropriate legal intervention. Meanwhile, Khera has also filed a separate petition before the Supreme Court seeking regular bail in the matter.
