The Supreme Court of India on Thursday reserved its order on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera told the court it was "not necessary to humiliate him by arrest" in the passport row case linked to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.
Khera's Arguments in Court
During the hearing, Khera submitted that the allegations against him were a matter of trial. He stated, "Some sections invoked against me are bailable, others don't require arrest." Khera further argued that if he does not get anticipatory bail in the case registered in Assam, "then the purpose of pre-arrest bail is gone."
Bench Reserves Verdict
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from both sides. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Khera, said the case did not warrant custodial interrogation and reiterated that arrest was unnecessary.
Opposition by Solicitor General
Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Assam government, told the court that Khera had shown "fake" and "doctored" copies of passports belonging to the chief minister's wife. Mehta also alleged that Khera had been absconding and disseminating videos, while maintaining that claims of multiple citizenship were false.
Background of the Case
The case stems from allegations made by Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, following which criminal complaints were filed against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Khera has challenged an April 24 order of the Gauhati High Court, which denied him anticipatory bail.
Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted him a seven-day transit anticipatory bail. However, the Assam Police moved the apex court against the relief, following which the Supreme Court stayed the transit bail and directed Khera to approach the Gauhati High Court.
Next Steps
The top court is now expected to deliver its order on Khera's anticipatory bail plea in due course.
