Guwahati, Apr 24: The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected an anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
The FIR stems from Khera’s allegations that Sharma held multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets. During the previous hearing, Khera’s counsel, led by Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that he was not a flight risk and that arrest was unnecessary, describing the case as politically motivated.
A bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia had reserved its order after hearing both sides extensively on April 21. A detailed order is awaited.
Appearing for Khera, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the Chief Minister’s alleged remarks against Khera indicated political vendetta, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections.
“On what basis can the petitioner expect fair treatment when the Chief Minister is breathing down his neck?” Singhvi submitted, reiterating that Khera was not a flight risk and that custodial interrogation was unwarranted.
The Assam government, represented by Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, opposed the plea, arguing that the case involved serious offences, including cheating and forgery, and not merely defamation.
Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera a seven-day transit anticipatory bail, following which the Assam Police moved the Supreme Court challenging the relief.
The FIR has been registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under Sections 175 (false statement in connection with an election), 35, 36, 318 (cheating), 338 (forgery of valuable security or will), 337 (forgery of court or public register records), 340 (using a forged document as genuine), 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and 356 (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Also Read: Assam Congress sets up 7 monitoring teams for May 4 vote counting
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