TNI Bureau: The Supreme Court on Friday granted anticipatory bail to senior Congress leader and party spokesperson Pawan Khera in connection with a case related to allegations made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The controversy began after Khera alleged during a press conference that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple foreign passports and had overseas financial interests. He claimed she possessed passports from countries such as the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda. The allegations sparked a major political storm, with both Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife strongly rejecting the claims and calling the documents fake and misleading.

Following the complaint, Assam Police registered a case against Khera on charges including forgery, defamation, and criminal conspiracy. Seeking protection from arrest, Khera had first approached the Telangana High Court, where he was granted temporary transit anticipatory bail for one week to move the appropriate court.

Later, the matter reached the Supreme Court after the Gauhati High Court denied him anticipatory bail. During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Khera, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the Assam government.

The Supreme Court observed that the dispute appeared to be politically sensitive and said there was no immediate need for custodial interrogation.

Setting aside the Gauhati High Court’s earlier order, the apex court directed that Khera should be granted anticipatory bail in the event of his arrest.

The court also laid down conditions, asking Khera to cooperate fully with the investigation, appear before the police whenever required, and not interfere with evidence or influence witnesses. He has also been directed not to leave the country without prior permission from the court.

The decision is being viewed as a major relief for the Congress leader, as it protects him from immediate arrest while the investigation in the case continues.