Pawan Khera Gets Anticipatory Bail in Assam CM Defamation Case
Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera.
Top Summary
- What happened: The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a forgery and defamation case.
- Why it matters: The case involves allegations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife.
- What changes for people: Khera avoids immediate arrest while the case proceeds through the legal system.
- Who is affected: Pawan Khera, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, and the Congress party.
Supreme Court Grants Bail
The Supreme Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera. This relates to a forgery and defamation case linked to alleged false claims against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
The decision came a day after the apex court reserved its order on Khera's anticipatory bail plea.
Arguments in Court
During the hearing, Khera argued that the allegations against him were a matter for trial. He stated,
"Some sections invoked against me are bailable, others don't require arrest."
Khera also submitted that if he doesn't get anticipatory bail in the Assam case,
"then purpose of pre-arrest bail is gone."
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that the case didn't warrant custodial interrogation and arrest was unnecessary.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, opposed the plea. He alleged that Khera showed "fake" and "doctored" copies of passports belonging to the chief minister's wife. Mehta also alleged Khera had been absconding and disseminating videos with false claims of multiple citizenship.
The Core of the Case
The case stems from allegations made by Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. Criminal complaints were subsequently filed against him at the Guwahati crime branch under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Khera challenged an April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court, which had denied him anticipatory bail.
What to Watch Next
The case will now proceed through the courts, with further hearings and evidence presented. The investigation into the alleged forgery and defamation will continue to unfold, potentially revealing more details and impacting the political landscape.