Pawan Khera Granted Anticipatory Bail by Supreme Court
In a significant development, Congress leader Pawan Khera was granted anticipatory bail by the Supreme Court on Saturday. Khera expressed that this relief is not only personal but also sends a strong message against the misuse of state power, alleging that the case against him is driven by “political vendetta.”
The case arose from comments made by Khera regarding Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Supreme Court, led by Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar, determined that the various allegations could be appropriately examined during the trial, making custodial interrogation unnecessary at this point.
Khera reacted to the court’s decision, stating, “My bail is not just a victory for me but a reminder that in our Constitutional Democracy, personal freedom should not be sacrificed for political aims.” He emphasized the importance of truth, saying, “No matter how strong the lies might seem, truth will prevail… Satyameva Jayate!” He also extended his gratitude to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for their steadfast support.
Exchanges Between Leaders
The day before, Khera’s bail prompted a response from Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who urged Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to reconsider his position based on the court’s remarks. Singhvi clarified, “I’m nobody to advise the CM of Assam, but I plead with him to reflect on his stance.”
Sarma, however, sharply dismissed Singhvi’s appeal, stating he doesn’t need lessons on democracy and insisted that “decency and him can never be in the same room.” Sarma reaffirmed that the legal fight is ongoing, asserting, “This is just the beginning, not the end.”
In his comments on social media, Sarma described the case as involving a woman who has no political ties and accused Khera of attacking her character on national television using falsified documents. He expressed confidence that justice would prevail.
Court’s Observation on Political Rivalry
The Supreme Court highlighted that the case exhibits elements of political rivalry and noted that the allegations may be politically motivated. The court assured that the facts would be thoroughly explored during the trial.
While granting Khera bail, the court instructed him to cooperate with the investigation, appear before the police when summoned, and avoid any attempts to influence witnesses or destroy evidence. The court also left open the possibility for the trial court to impose further conditions if deemed necessary.
Khera had previously sought bail from the Gauhati High Court but was denied on April 24.
