Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 1: The Supreme Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed over allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

While granting relief, the apex court observed that both the allegations made by Khera and the case registered against him appeared to stem from “political rivalry.” The court directed Khera to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The case was registered in Guwahati following Khera’s claims regarding the Chief Minister’s wife, leading to charges including defamation and forgery.

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar had reserved its order on Thursday after hearing arguments from both sides.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that the matter was fit for trial and did not justify arrest. He submitted that several sections invoked were bailable, while others did not require custodial interrogation, adding that denying anticipatory bail would defeat the purpose of pre-arrest protection.

Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, alleged that Khera had circulated “fake and doctored” passport copies of Riniki Bhuyan Sharma and made false claims regarding her citizenship. He further contended that Khera had been evading authorities while continuing to make public statements.

The case originates from Khera’s allegations that Sharma possessed multiple passports and undisclosed overseas properties. Following this, criminal complaints were filed at the Guwahati Crime Branch under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Khera had earlier challenged an April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court denying him anticipatory bail. He was initially granted seven-day transit anticipatory bail by the Telangana High Court, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court, directing him to seek relief from the Gauhati High Court.