Telangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One-Week Anticipatory Bail in Assam Case

The Telangana High Court on Friday granted temporary relief to Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera in a case registered over his allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. Hearing Khera’s petition, Justice Sujana Kalasikam granted him anticipatory bail for one week in the case filed by Assam Police. The court directed him to apply for regular bail in the concerned court within this period. This interim protection shields Khera from immediate arrest, subject to certain conditions.

The controversy stems from Khera’s remarks on April 5 , in which he alleged that Assam CM’s wife, Rini Bhuyan Sarma, possesses more than one passport and holds substantial assets abroad . He further claimed that these details were not disclosed in the Chief Minister’s election affidavit, calling it a violation of rules. Following these allegations, the Assam government registered a case against him at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station under Section 175 (false statement related to elections) and Section 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

After the case was filed, Assam Police moved swiftly and visited Khera’s residence in Delhi for investigation. Upon learning that he was in Hyderabad, efforts were made to trace him there. Reacting strongly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress, accusing it of making baseless allegations against his family. “Khera may have fled to Hyderabad, but Assam Police will track him down even from the underworld,” he said.

Amid rising tensions, Khera approached the Telangana High Court, arguing through his counsel that the case was a result of political vendetta . With the court granting him interim relief, he is protected from arrest for now. However, he must approach the appropriate court in Guwahati within the stipulated time for further legal recourse.

Overall, the High Court’s order provides temporary respite to both Khera and the Congress party. The issue has now escalated into a legal battle , and with strong reactions from the Assam government and ongoing police action, the matter is likely to generate further political controversy in the coming days.