Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Friday provided relief to Congress leader Pawan Khera by granting him anticipatory bail in a criminal case involving allegations of defamation and forgery.
The case was registered by Assam Police based on a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
While hearing the matter, a bench of the Apex Court noted that both sides had levelled serious accusations against each other. It observed that the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be easily compromised.
The Court noted that “the personal liberty of an individual under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be lightly put at risk at this stage.”
The case was taken up by a bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul Chandurkar after the Gauhati High Court had earlier turned down Khera’s plea seeking protection from arrest.
The Supreme Court directed that if arrested, Khera should be released on bail, subject to conditions that may be imposed by the investigating officer.
The court further said that he must cooperate fully with the investigation and remain available whenever called by the police. It also ordered that he should not attempt to interfere with witnesses or evidence, and must seek prior approval of the court before travelling outside the country.
In addition, the bench noted that the trial court would be free to add further conditions during the course of the proceedings if necessary.
The matter relates to allegations raised by Khera concerning multiple foreign passports and overseas financial interests linked to Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.