Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera. The plea was linked to an FIR lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Khera had sought protection from arrest based on the allegations mentioned in the FIR, but the court declined relief.
Khera had alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma possessed more than one passport. Following this statement, an FIR was registered against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station. The case includes multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as making false statements related to elections, cheating, forgery, defamation, and disturbing public peace.
What Did the Supreme Court Say
The Supreme Court of India clarified that if Khera applies for anticipatory bail in a competent court in Assam, his plea will be considered independently and without being effected by any previous orders. Khera had also requested the Supreme Court to lift the stay and extend his transit bail, but the court rejected this request.
What Is the Case About
Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed the complaint on April 6 against Khera and others allegedly involved. She claimed that the allegations made by Khera during press conferences held on April 5 in New Delhi and Guwahati were false and baseless. Khera had accused her of holding multiple passports/golden cards and owning foreign assets that were not disclosed in her husband’s election affidavit.
Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera a one-week transit anticipatory bail on April 10. However, last week, the Supreme Court, while hearing a plea by the Assam government, stayed the High Court’s order and directed Khera to approach a competent court in Assam for anticipatory bail.