Guwahati, April 15: The Supreme Court of India has stayed a Telangana High Court order that granted transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR filed in Assam.

The case stems from allegations that Khera made claims involving Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, regarding multiple passports.

A bench of the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the High Court’s order while seeking a response from the Assam government, which had challenged the relief granted. The court also clarified that if Khera approaches a competent court in Assam for anticipatory bail, the present order will not influence its decision.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Khera had failed to justify approaching the Telangana High Court and questioned its jurisdiction. He further pointed out that one of the offences in the case carries a punishment of up to 10 years.

The court examined submissions on jurisdiction, including references to Khera’s wife’s place of residence, and raised concerns over potential “forum shopping” if such grounds were accepted.

Earlier, on April 10, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera one week of transit anticipatory bail, allowing him time to seek relief from the Gauhati High Court. It held that limited protection could be extended under Article 21 in cases where there is a reasonable apprehension of arrest.

The Assam government opposed the order, arguing that the matter has no connection to Telangana and should be dealt with in Assam, where the FIR was registered. The case includes multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including allegations of false statements, cheating, forgery, defamation, and disturbing public peace.

Police had earlier conducted search operations in Hyderabad and Delhi as part of the investigation.