The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday (21 April) held back its decision on Congress leader Pawan Khera’s request for anticipatory bail, after an intense hearing in a case triggered by allegations concerning multiple passports linked to Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
Background of the Case
The controversy began after remarks attributed to Khera about Sharma, who is married to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Following her complaint, the Assam Police registered a case alleging offences such as cheating, forgery, false statements connected to elections, and defamation.
The matter had earlier travelled to the Telangana High Court, which granted short-term protection to Khera. That relief was later put on hold by the Supreme Court of India, which clarified that the Assam court should decide the bail plea without being influenced by earlier observations.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, suggested the prosecution was politically driven. He argued that arrest was unnecessary and said the situation raised concerns about fairness.
“The circumstances raise a serious question about impartiality,” he told the bench, stressing that Khera was cooperating and not likely to evade the process.
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Backing him, Senior Counsel K N Choudhary said the allegations were exaggerated and strategically framed. He maintained that even if the statements were disputed, the issue would fall within defamation, not serious criminal offences.
The State, however, pushed back strongly. Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia told the court that the case involved more than reputational harm. According to him, investigators were looking into alleged use of fabricated documents and records.
“This is not confined to defamation; the allegations indicate cheating and forgery,” he argued, adding that access to documents like passports was crucial for the probe.
The State also raised concerns that Khera might avoid the investigation if protected from arrest.
After hearing both sides, Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia reserved the order on the anticipatory bail plea.
Case Title:- Pawan khera vs. State of Assam
