Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Apr 24: The Gauhati High Court on Thursday rejected Congress leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail plea in connection with an FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, over allegations linked to holding multiple passports.

A bench headed by Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia delivered the verdict after reserving orders on April 21 following arguments from both sides. The detailed order is awaited.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued the case was politically motivated and claimed the allegations, at best, amounted to criminal defamation that should be pursued through a private complaint rather than a police case.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia submitted that the FIR involved serious offences beyond defamation, including cheating, forgery and fabrication of documents.

The case has witnessed proceedings across multiple courts. On April 10, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera one week’s transit anticipatory bail to seek relief from the competent court.

However, Assam Police challenged the order in the Supreme Court, which stayed the transit bail on April 15. On April 17, the apex court declined Khera’s plea to vacate the stay or extend protection, while clarifying that neither its interim observations nor those of the Telangana High Court should influence the Gauhati High Court’s decision.

The FIR registered at Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station invokes multiple provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to false statements in connection with an election, cheating, forgery, use of forged documents, intentional insult and defamation.

With the anticipatory bail plea rejected, Khera may now explore further legal remedies.