Congress leader seeks relief after the Supreme Court declines protection; the case stems from remarks targeting CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife
Guwahati: Congress leader Pawan Khera has approached the Gauhati High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered by the Assam Police Crime Branch. Khera’s plea, filed on April 20, is expected to be listed for hearing shortly.
The case originates from statements made by Khera, in which he alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. The claims prompted legal action, with authorities booking him on charges including defamation, forgery, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.
Earlier, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant Khera interim protection from arrest and directed him to seek relief from a competent court in Assam. The apex court also stayed the transit anticipatory bail earlier granted by the Telangana High Court, effectively shifting the legal battle to the Gauhati High Court.
Meanwhile, Khera’s counsel argued that he is not a flight risk and sought time to pursue legal remedies. However, the Supreme Court maintained that the appropriate forum for relief would be the jurisdictional court.
Separately, a local court in Guwahati refused Assam Police’s request for a non-bailable warrant against Khera. The court observed that the plea lacked substantive evidence and was based on “presumptions,” noting that police already have the authority to act under relevant legal provisions.
With the matter now before the Gauhati High Court, the focus shifts to whether Khera will secure anticipatory bail in the coming days.
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