The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera in a case involving allegations of forgery and defamation linked to remarks about Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The court set aside a previous order of the Gauhati High Court that had denied him relief. While the Assam government opposed the plea citing serious allegations, the apex court ruled in favour of granting protection from arrest as the case continues.
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Key Facts
- Court: Supreme Court of India
- Date: Friday (recent ruling)
- Accused: Pawan Khera
- Complainant: Riniki Bhuyan Sharma
- Related To: Remarks against wife of Himanta Biswa Sarma
- Charges: Defamation and alleged forgery
- Previous Order: Bail denied by Gauhati High Court
- Outcome: Anticipatory bail granted
Supreme Court Grants Relief
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar heard arguments from both sides before granting anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera. Consequently, the court protected him from arrest as the investigation continues.
Moreover, the bench set aside the earlier decision of the Gauhati High Court. Therefore, Khera secured relief after facing legal setbacks in lower courts.
Arguments Presented by Defence
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued that custodial arrest was unnecessary in a defamation case. He stressed that Khera posed no flight risk and cooperated with legal processes.
Additionally, Singhvi questioned the inclusion of forgery charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He argued that authorities added these charges later and not in the original FIR. As a result, he described the case as politically motivated.
Assam Government Opposes Bail
On the other hand, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the anticipatory bail plea on behalf of the Assam government. He emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, including claims of fabricated documents.
Furthermore, Mehta stated that investigators needed custodial interrogation to examine the alleged conspiracy. He also pointed to possible foreign links and accused Khera of avoiding investigation while releasing public statements.
Background of the Case
The case began after Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed an FIR against Khera. He had alleged in a press conference that she possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets.
Earlier, the Gauhati High Court denied anticipatory bail, which prompted Khera to approach the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the apex court had earlier declined to extend transit anticipatory bail granted by another court and advised him to seek relief in Assam.
Question–Answer Section
Q1: What did the Supreme Court decide?
The court granted anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera in the defamation and forgery case.
Q2: Who filed the complaint?
Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed the FIR against Khera.
Q3: What were the allegations?
The case involves defamation and alleged forgery related to statements about foreign assets.
Q4: Why did the Assam government oppose bail?
It cited serious allegations, including fabricated documents and possible conspiracy.
Q5: What happens next?
The investigation will continue while Khera remains protected from arrest.
Location Context
Assam is a politically significant state in Northeast India. Therefore, high-profile legal cases involving national leaders often attract attention due to their broader political and regional implications.
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