Gauhati High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail Plea of Congress Leader Pawan Khera

Asaam , Apr 24 : In a significant legal setback, the Gauhati High Court on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail application filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a criminal case registered in Assam. The plea was rejected days after the matter had been reserved for orders on April 21 by Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia.
The case stems from a complaint filed by the Crime Branch of the Assam Police in Guwahati, accusing Khera of making defamatory and misleading statements. The allegations include charges of defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy following remarks made by the Congress leader regarding the personal and financial affairs of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan.
According to the complaint, Khera had publicly alleged that Bhuyan possessed multiple foreign passports and held undisclosed assets overseas. Authorities claim these assertions were not only unverified but also intended to damage reputations and create public distrust.
Prior to approaching the Gauhati High Court, Khera had sought protection from arrest from the Supreme Court of India. However, the apex court declined to grant him interim relief and refused to extend the transit anticipatory bail that had earlier been granted by the Telangana High Court.
The Supreme Court had explicitly directed Khera to seek relief from the Gauhati High Court without delay, making it clear that the interim protection would lapse upon expiry. With the latest ruling, Khera now faces the possibility of arrest as the investigation progresses.
Legal experts note that the rejection of anticipatory bail indicates the court’s view that custodial interrogation may be necessary or that the allegations warrant deeper scrutiny. The case is expected to remain in focus as it intersects legal accountability with politically sensitive claims.
Further developments will depend on whether Khera challenges the decision in a higher court or cooperates with the ongoing investigation in Assam.