The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. The court observed that Khera's remarks had dragged an innocent lady into controversy.
Court's Observations
Justice Arun Dev Choudhury, while denying the relief, stated that the allegations made by Khera were serious and had the potential to disturb public order. The court noted that Khera's statements were not just a political criticism but personally targeted the chief minister's wife, who is not a public figure. The judge remarked, 'An innocent lady has been dragged into controversy without any fault of hers.'
Background of the Case
The case stems from a statement made by Khera during a press conference in March 2026, where he alleged that the Assam CM's wife had been involved in financial irregularities related to a government scheme. Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed a criminal defamation case against Khera, claiming that the allegations were baseless and intended to malign her reputation.
Political Implications
Khera's allegations had provided ammunition to opposition parties, who repeatedly referred to them during the 2026 Assembly election campaign against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam. The state went to polls earlier this month, and the results are expected next week. The Gauhati HC's decision is seen as a setback for the Congress leader, who had sought pre-arrest bail to avoid detention.
Legal Arguments
Senior advocate representing Khera argued that the remarks were made in the context of public interest and that the case was politically motivated. However, the public prosecutor contended that Khera's statements were defamatory and had no factual basis. The court, after hearing both sides, concluded that the gravity of the offense and the potential impact on the victim warranted denial of anticipatory bail.
Khera is likely to approach the Supreme Court challenging the high court's order. Meanwhile, the Assam Police may proceed with arrest if the investigation reveals sufficient grounds.
