Gauhati High Court Dismisses Pawan Khera's Anticipatory Bail Plea in Defamation Case
The Gauhati High Court on Friday, April 24, dismissed Congress leader Pawan Khera’s plea seeking anticipatory bail in a case lodged by the Crime Branch of Assam Police in Guwahati. Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia had reserved the verdict on April 21 before pronouncing the order today, refusing to grant relief to the Congress spokesperson. The matter arises from a complaint in which allegations of defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy have been raised against him. The FIR was triggered after Khera made claims that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma , held multiple foreign passports and had undisclosed overseas assets. Assam Police, on April 7, visited Khera’s residence in Delhi, but he was not present there at the time. He later approached the Telangana High Court, requesting protection from arrest while travelling. The Telangana High Court , on April 10, granted him temporary relief for seven days to allow him to move the courts in Assam for anticipatory bail. This order was later paused by the Supreme Court on April 15 following an appeal filed by the Assam government. Khera attempted to challenge the Supreme Court’s interim decision, but the apex court refused to lift the stay and also declined to extend the transit protection, asking him to approach the Gauhati High Court instead. Before the Gauhati High Court, Khera submitted that his remarks were made during a political press interaction and were being selectively interpreted to initiate legal proceedings against him. He further argued that the case had been filed out of political hostility and at the instance of the Chief Minister’s wife. In his petition, he said he was speaking in his capacity as a political representative and spokesperson, and claimed the FIR was being used to harass and pressure him, with alleged backing from individuals close to the state leadership. He also stated that his remarks were made as questions and denied any involvement in the preparation of forged passports or property documents. Khera was represented in court by Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kamal Nayan Choudhury, along with advocates Shariq Ahmed Abbasi, Aman Wadud, and Aminur Rahman.
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