Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Pawan Khera’s Anticipatory Bail Plea
Congress leader argues arrest is unnecessary in case linked to allegations against Assam CM’s wife
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday reserved its decision on the anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case related to allegations involving Assam Chief Minister’s wife.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar heard detailed arguments before concluding the proceedings and reserving its verdict. During the hearing, Khera told the court that there was no justification for his arrest, stating that such action would only lead to unnecessary public humiliation.
The case stems from statements made by Khera in which he alleged that Rinki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, held multiple foreign passports and had financial interests abroad. Following these claims, Assam Police registered a case against him. Earlier, the Gauhati High Court had rejected his anticipatory bail request.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that the case was largely one of defamation and did not warrant custodial interrogation. He questioned the need for arrest, saying it would serve no real purpose other than to embarrass his client.
Singhvi also told the court that statements made publicly by the Chief Minister had heightened concerns about possible arrest. He claimed that Khera had been warned he could spend the rest of his life in an Assam jail. He further alleged that a large team of Assam Police personnel had reached Khera’s residence in Delhi, treating him like a serious criminal.
Emphasising Khera’s willingness to cooperate, Singhvi said his client was a public figure with no risk of fleeing and was ready to assist in the investigation. He added that several of the charges were bailable and did not require arrest.
Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, argued that the documents cited by Khera were entirely fabricated. He told the court that no legitimate authority had issued such passports.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict after considering the submissions from both sides.