The Supreme Court of India has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case registered by Assam Police. Setting aside the Gauhati High Court order, the apex court observed that the allegations appear to carry political overtones and stressed that personal liberty cannot be lightly curtailed.
Case Background
The case stems from remarks made by Khera regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, leading to charges of defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy. Earlier, Khera had approached the Telangana High Court for transit bail before moving the Gauhati High Court, which rejected his plea citing the need for custodial interrogation. Challenging that decision, Khera moved the Supreme Court, which has now granted him protection from arrest.
Court Observations
The Supreme Court emphasized that personal liberty is a fundamental right and cannot be taken away lightly. It noted that the allegations appear to have political overtones, and the case remains under investigation. The court’s decision sets aside the Gauhati High Court’s earlier order, providing Khera with relief from arrest.
The matter continues to be investigated by the authorities.
