A legal tussle over transit anticipatory bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera has now reached the Supreme Court, with the Assam government challenging the Telangana High Court’s interim protection order.
Background of the Case
The matter stems from an FIR filed in Assam following allegations made by Khera during a press conference. He had claimed that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets.
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Acting on a complaint, Guwahati Crime Branch registered the case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those relating to defamation, forgery, and false statements.
Khera approached the Telangana High Court, citing his residence and family ties in Hyderabad, seeking anticipatory bail amid police action, including searches at his Delhi home.
Justice K Sujana, while granting limited protection for one week, noted the importance of safeguarding personal liberty.
“The concept of transit anticipatory bail is precisely evolved to address such situations where immediate protection is required,” the court observed.
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The High Court rejected the State’s objection on jurisdiction, emphasizing that such interim relief allows an accused to approach the competent court without fear of arrest.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that the allegations were politically motivated and based entirely on digital evidence, making custodial interrogation unnecessary.
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On the other hand, the Assam government, represented by Advocate General Devajit Saikia, contended that the statements were defamatory and part of a deliberate attempt to spread false information. It also raised concerns about Khera being a potential flight risk.
The Telangana High Court granted Khera transit anticipatory bail for one week, directing him to seek appropriate relief from the competent court, a decision now under challenge before the Supreme Court.
Case Details:
Case Title: State of Assam vs. Pawan Khera
Case Number: Diary No. 22236/2026
Judge: Justice K Sujana
Decision Date: April 10, 2026
