Assam Government Moves Supreme Court Against Relief Granted To Pawan Khera

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by the Assam government challenging interim relief granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera by the Telangana High Court in connection with a criminal case over alleged defamatory remarks against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The matter is listed before a Bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar, according to the Supreme Court’s official causelist. The Assam government has approached the apex court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP), challenging the Telangana High Court’s April 10 order that granted transit anticipatory bail to Khera for a limited period.

The Telangana High Court had earlier granted interim protection to Pawan Khera to allow him time to approach the appropriate court for regular bail in the case registered by Assam Police. The order stated that Khera would be granted anticipatory bail for one week in the event of arrest, providing him temporary legal protection.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Backs Pawan Khera Amid Passport Row, Attacks Assam CM Sarma

The case stems from allegations that Khera made defamatory and malicious statements concerning Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, including claims related to foreign passports, undeclared overseas properties, and shell companies. Based on these allegations, Assam Police booked him under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

During the Telangana High Court proceedings, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued that the FIR was politically motivated and constituted an attempt to target him for raising questions against the Assam Chief Minister and his family. The Assam government, however, opposed the plea, questioning the jurisdiction of the Telangana court and arguing that Khera had no valid reason to seek relief outside Assam.

The case has intensified political tensions between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress party ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, with both sides trading accusations over misuse of legal and investigative processes. While the Congress has defended Khera, the Assam government maintains that the allegations required criminal investigation under law.

Also Read: Pawan Khera Granted One-Week Anticipatory Bail By Telangana High Court