Pawan: Not A Criminal, Pawan Khera Seeks Supreme Court Relief

Pawan: Congress leader Pawan Khera has approached the Supreme Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case linked to his remarks about Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order after hearing arguments from both sides. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued strongly that personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution must remain protected. He told the court that Pawan is not a “hardened criminal” and questioned the need for custodial interrogation in a matter mainly involving alleged defamation.

Singhvi also called the case unusual and said most charges focused on reputation and defamation, which normally do not require arrest. He argued that even if the matter proceeds to trial, police can continue the investigation without taking Pawan into custody.

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Pawan Defends Bail Plea In Top Court

According to Singhvi, the allegations mainly concern statements made during a press conference, where Khera raised questions about documents linked to the Chief Minister’s wife. He stressed that arrest should remain the last option and not the first response in such cases.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Assam government, opposed the plea. He said police need custodial interrogation to verify the source and authenticity of the photographs and documents cited by Pawan during his allegations.

He further claimed that investigators suspect outside interference linked to election timing and said the Congress leader had avoided cooperation during parts of the investigation.

High Court Order And Political Fallout

Earlier, the Gauhati High Court had rejected Pawan’s anticipatory bail request. The court observed that the accusations involved a private citizen rather than direct political criticism and therefore required deeper investigation. It also mentioned concerns that he could become a flight risk.

The case began after an April 4 press conference in which Pawan alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held passports from multiple countries and owned undisclosed luxury properties abroad. He also raised questions about alleged business links.

The Sarma family firmly denied all claims and called the documents fake and AI-generated material spread through hostile social media networks. Following the complaint, Guwahati Police registered a case and began legal action.

Now, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court’s final decision, which will determine whether Pawan receives protection from arrest in this politically sensitive matter.

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