By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Congress leader Pawan Khera has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging an April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court that rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with a case registered by the Assam Police.
The case arises from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, who accused Khera of making defamatory statements during a press conference. In his remarks, Khera had alleged that she possessed multiple foreign passports and held undisclosed assets abroad.
Following the FIR, Khera sought anticipatory bail from the High Court, which declined relief. He has now moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest.
The High Court order was passed by a single-judge Bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia after reserving judgment on April 21.
Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the proceedings were politically motivated and referred to alleged remarks made by Himanta Biswa Sarma. He contended that the case reflected political vendetta, particularly in the context of impending elections.
Senior counsel K.N. Choudhary echoed these arguments, describing the allegations as “scandalous” and asserting that their tone indicated deliberate malice. The defence maintained that, at most, the matter amounted to criminal defamation, which should be pursued through a private complaint.
Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia submitted that the case went beyond defamation and involved serious charges, including alleged fabrication of documents and title deeds. He argued that the offences invoked primarily relate to cheating and forgery.