State challenges Telangana High Court’s one-week relief to Congress leader in defamation case linked to CM
Guwahati: The Assam government has escalated its legal battle by approaching the Supreme Court of India against the interim transit anticipatory bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera.
The plea, filed on April 12, contests an order of the Telangana High Court that provided Khera protection from arrest for one week. The state has argued that the relief granted requires reconsideration, particularly as the case originates in Assam.
Khera faces charges linked to alleged defamatory remarks targeting Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The FIR, registered by the Guwahati Crime Branch, invokes multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those dealing with defamation and harm to reputation.
In its earlier order, the Telangana High Court had allowed temporary protection, directing that Khera be released on bail in case of arrest, subject to conditions such as cooperation with investigators and restrictions on travel abroad. The court also noted that he could seek regular relief from courts in Assam.
The state government, however, has maintained that jurisdiction lies within Assam and has now sought intervention from the apex court. The matter is likely to be listed for hearing in the coming days, adding another layer to the ongoing political and legal tussle.
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