New Delhi, Apr 25: The Congress on Saturday voiced strong support for its senior leader Pawan Khera after the Gauhati High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea, indicating that the matter will now be taken up before the Supreme Court of India.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh asserted that the party stands firmly with Khera and remains confident that legal remedies will ultimately prevail over what he described as a climate of coercion and pressure. In a public statement, he emphasized that the Congress views the development not merely as a legal issue but as part of a broader political confrontation.
Court Rejects Bail, Flags Serious Allegations
The decision by the Gauhati High Court came a day earlier, when a single bench led by Parthiv Jyoti Saikia dismissed Khera’s anticipatory bail application. The plea was linked to controversial remarks made by Khera alleging that the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma possessed multiple passports and undisclosed foreign assets.
The court observed that the case could not be treated as a straightforward instance of defamation. Instead, it noted the presence of elements suggesting a deeper dimension, including possible intent and coordination. The bench pointed to a prima facie case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, particularly concerning alleged possession or circulation of questionable documents.
Investigation Angle Intensifies Legal Complexity
According to the court’s observations, custodial interrogation may be necessary to establish the origin and authenticity of the documents cited in the allegations. It highlighted the need to identify individuals involved in sourcing the materials and the channels through which they were obtained.
The order also noted that Khera had not fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation, a factor that weighed against granting anticipatory bail. Investigators are expected to probe potential links and verify whether any coordinated effort was involved in gathering or disseminating the information.
Complaint Filed by Chief Minister’s Wife
The legal proceedings were initiated after Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed criminal complaints at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. The complaints invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging reputational harm and the circulation of misleading or fabricated claims.
Her legal action followed statements made during a press conference, which she contends were defamatory and unsupported by evidence.
Legal Journey Across Courts
Khera’s legal strategy initially began in the Telangana High Court, given his residence in Hyderabad. The court had granted him temporary transit anticipatory bail for seven days. However, this relief was short-lived as Assam Police challenged the decision before the Supreme Court.
The apex court subsequently stayed the interim protection and directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court for further relief, leading to the current development.
Congress Frames Issue as Political Confrontation
The Congress has framed the episode as part of a larger pattern of political targeting, arguing that dissenting voices are being subjected to legal pressure. Party leaders reiterated that they would pursue all constitutional avenues to defend Khera.
As the case heads toward the Supreme Court, it is expected to raise broader questions about the intersection of political speech, defamation laws, and criminal provisions under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Next Steps in the Legal Battle
With the Gauhati High Court declining relief, Khera’s legal team is preparing to challenge the order in the Supreme Court. The upcoming proceedings are likely to determine whether he receives interim protection and how the investigation proceeds.
The case continues to draw attention due to its political implications and the legal interpretations surrounding allegations, free speech, and investigative authority.