The Gauhati High Court on Friday 24 April rejected anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case linked to allegations made against Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Background of the Case
The matter arises from an FIR lodged on April 5, where Sharma accused Khera of making claims about her holding multiple foreign passports and owning undisclosed assets abroad. These allegations were denied by both Sharma and the Chief Minister.
Following the complaint, the Guwahati Crime Branch registered offences under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, forgery, and defamation. Police also conducted searches at Khera’s Delhi residence.
A single bench of Justice Parthiv Jyoti Saikia heard the anticipatory bail plea earlier this week and reserved its order after detailed arguments from both sides.
Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case reflected “political vendetta” and that arrest was unnecessary. “The petitioner is not a flight risk,” he submitted.
On the other hand, the State opposed relief, arguing that the allegations involved serious offences beyond mere defamation, including forgery and cheating.
After considering the submissions, the High Court rejected Khera’s anticipatory bail plea.
A detailed order is awaited.
Case Title:- Pawan Khera v/s State of Assam
