The Supreme Court is set to review a petition by Congress leader Pawan Khera challenging the Gauhati High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea. Scheduled for April 30, the case involves alleged remarks made by Khera against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Khera has filed a Special Leave Petition in the apex court contesting the High Court’s decision not to grant him pre-arrest bail.
Khera’s plea, filed as Diary No. 25523/2026, is currently on the Supreme Court’s hearing list after submission on Sunday evening. The Gauhati High Court, through Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, previously denied anticipatory bail to Khera, stating that he did not merit such protection. The High Court emphasized that the case involves potential violations under Section 339 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, beyond simple defamation allegations.
The controversy arose from Khera’s allegations against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, accusing her of holding multiple foreign passports, undisclosed overseas assets, and connections to shell companies. The FIR, lodged at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, includes charges of false statements, cheating, forgery, and defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Earlier searches were conducted at Khera’s Delhi residence, and Assam Police also visited Hyderabad in connection with the case.
