Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera, calls case ‘politically motivated’

The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera in a case filed by the Assam Police over allegations that he claimed Riniki Bhuyan Sharma—wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma—held multiple passports.

A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar observed that the matter appeared to involve “politically motivated” allegations and counter-allegations, noting that custodial interrogation was not required.

Challenge to high court order

Khera had approached the apex court after the Gauhati High Court denied him anticipatory bail in the defamation and forgery case.

Arguments in court

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that arrest was unnecessary in a defamation case, especially when his client was not a flight risk and was cooperating with the investigation. He questioned the need for custodial action, calling it an attempt to “humiliate.”

On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the Assam government’s arguments opposing relief.

Singhvi further contended that the charges invoked—particularly forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita—were bailable and had been added later, not forming part of the original FIR.

Court’s observation

After hearing both sides, the court reserved its detailed order but granted interim protection to Khera, emphasising that the nature of the case did not justify custodial interrogation.

The ruling offers immediate relief to the Congress leader while the legal proceedings in the matter continue.