Congress leader Pawan Khera has taken his case to the Supreme Court after the Gauhati High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea related to a criminal case filed by Assam Police over alleged remarks against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. Khera filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) on Sunday, registered as Diary No. 25523/2026 on the apex court’s official website. The plea, submitted at 6.26 p.m., is currently marked as “pending.”
The move to challenge the Gauhati High Court’s decision came two days after the court refused to grant pre-arrest bail to Khera. Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, in a single-judge bench ruling, stated that the Congress leader was not entitled to anticipatory bail. The High Court mentioned the existence of materials for a prima facie case under Section 339 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, while turning down his plea.
The Congress party had previously announced its intention to contest the Gauhati High Court’s verdict in the Supreme Court. Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh expressed full support for Khera, emphasizing the party’s confidence in obtaining justice. Ramesh stated that the entire Indian National Congress stands in solidarity with Pawan Khera, Chairman of its Media and Publicity Department, and assured that justice would prevail over any form of coercion or harassment.
Pawan Khera had earlier secured temporary relief from the Telangana High Court, which granted him transit anticipatory bail for a limited period to seek regular relief in Assam. However, the Supreme Court intervened by staying this relief following a challenge by the Assam Police. The apex court not only refused to lift the stay but also declined to extend interim protection for Khera. The Supreme Court clarified that its previous orders should not influence the Assam court’s decision on the bail application.
Khera’s legal battle stems from his allegations against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, suggesting possession of multiple foreign passports, undisclosed luxury properties abroad, and ties to shell companies. The FIR, lodged at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, includes various charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as false statements, cheating, forgery, and defamation. Earlier this month, Assam Police conducted searches at Khera’s Delhi residence and also visited Hyderabad in connection with the case.
