Supreme Court Denies Bail Extension for Congress Leader Pawan Khera
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Friday refused to extend the transit anticipatory bail protection granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera by the Telangana High Court. The bail was related to an FIR filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. Following the ruling, CM Sarma stated it is now time for Khera to surrender before the law in Guwahati.
Court Directs Khera to Approach Assam Judiciary
A bench comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar explicitly directed Pawan Khera to move a competent court in Assam for any anticipatory bail. The bench clarified that the Gauhati High Court would hear his plea without being influenced by any adverse remarks previously made by either the apex court or the Telangana High Court. This ruling effectively removes the legal shield that had prevented Assam Police from taking immediate action against Khera based on the FIR.
Reacting swiftly to the court order, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared, "Khera should now surrender before the law in Guwahati." This statement underscores the political and legal tension surrounding the case.
Sarma's Criticism of Assam Police Handling
In a televised interview with ABP News two days prior to the Supreme Court hearing, CM Sarma expressed sharp displeasure over how Pawan Khera managed to leave Guwahati shortly after the FIR was filed. He highlighted a specific timeline, stating, "The FIR was filed at 12 am. If he had to be questioned prima facie, it should have been. But by 6 am, Pawan Khera had left Guwahati. This means Assam Police let him go."
Sarma further clarified his position as Home Minister, explaining that he could not intervene at the time due to the model code of conduct being in force during the assembly elections. "I am angrier at Assam Police than Pawan Khera. How did he leave Guwahati?" he remarked, indicating his frustration with the police's handling of the situation.
Background of the Allegations and FIR
The controversy stems from two press conferences held by Pawan Khera on April 5, first in New Delhi and later in Guwahati. During these events, Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed multiple passports and foreign property that were not disclosed in CM Sarma's election affidavit. Both Sarma and his wife have vehemently rejected these charges, labeling them as "false and fabricated."
In response, the CM's wife filed an FIR at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station. The complaint was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), setting the stage for the current legal battle. The Supreme Court's recent decision now paves the way for Assam Police to potentially initiate action based on this FIR, pending further judicial proceedings in Assam.
The case continues to unfold, with political observers closely watching the next steps, including whether Pawan Khera will comply with the court's direction and CM Sarma's demand for surrender. The involvement of high-profile political figures and serious allegations ensures that this legal matter remains in the national spotlight, highlighting issues of accountability, police procedure, and electoral conduct.
