Supreme Court Grants Pre-Arrest Bail to Pawan Khera in Defamation Case

Supreme Court Grants Pre-Arrest Bail to Pawan Khera in Defamation Case

NEW DELHI, May 01, (VoM News): In a major relief, the apex court of India has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, filed a case over alleged defamatory remarks against her.

A bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar was hearing the matter, where the apex court directed Pawan Khera to cooperate with the investigation.

Khera has been instructed by the top court to appear before authorities when summoned. In order to avoid influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, conditions have been imposed.

Khera cannot leave the country without prior permission, as per the directions of the top court. The court has additionally clarified that the trial court may impose additional conditions if required.

The bench noted that there was no need for custodial interrogation, as the allegations and counter-allegations appeared, prima facie, to be “politically motivated.”

The Gauhati High Court had earlier denied anticipatory bail, citing the need for interrogation, which was later overturned by the top court. It cited the right to personal liberty as a fundamental right, which could not be undermined, particularly in politically sensitive matters.

On April 04, Pawan Khera held a press conference where he made remarks against Riniki Sarma regarding alleged foreign assets and documents.

The Sarma family has denied the accusations, calling them fabricated, after which a complaint was subsequently filed with police in Guwahati.