Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 26: Congress leader Pawan Khera has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Gauhati High Court in a case registered by the Assam Police.

According to details available on the court’s website, Khera filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) on Sunday, which has been listed as pending. The move comes shortly after the High Court denied him pre-arrest bail, observing that the case involved more than simple defamation and disclosed a prima facie offence under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The High Court bench, led by Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, held that Khera was not entitled to anticipatory bail given the nature of the allegations.

The Congress party has backed Khera, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh expressing confidence that relief would be granted by the apex court and calling the case an instance of political intimidation.

Earlier, Khera had secured temporary relief from the Telangana High Court in the form of transit anticipatory bail, allowing him time to approach courts in Assam. However, that relief was later stayed by the Supreme Court following a challenge by the Assam Police, and the court declined to extend interim protection.

The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Khera regarding Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The FIR, registered in Guwahati, includes charges related to false statements, cheating, forgery, and defamation.

In connection with the case, Assam Police had earlier conducted searches at Khera’s residence in Delhi and also carried out inquiries in Hyderabad. The matter is now awaiting consideration before the Supreme Court.