Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The Assam government has approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging a Telangana High Court order that granted one-week transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case linked to allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.The petition, filed through advocate Shuvodeep Roy on Sunday, is likely to be heard later this week.
Telangana HC granted limited relief with conditions
On April 10, the Telangana high court granted Khera transit anticipatory bail for a week, allowing him time to approach the appropriate court in Assam for regular relief.“Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case… the petitioner has made out a case for grant of limited transit anticipatory bail, as his apprehension of arrest appears to be reasonable,” the high court said in its order.The relief came with conditions, including a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties, cooperation with the investigation, and a direction not to leave the country without court permission. Khera was also asked to exercise restraint in making public statements that could prejudice the probe.
Case stems from allegations against CM’s wife
The case was registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch after Khera alleged on April 5 that the Assam CM’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, held multiple passports and foreign assets that were not disclosed in the election affidavit.Following the remarks, an FIR was filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to false statements in connection with elections and cheating.Khera had moved the Telangana high court on April 7, citing his residence in Hyderabad and seeking protection from arrest.
Legal battle set to shift to Supreme Court
With the Assam government now contesting the interim relief, the matter is set to be examined by the Supreme Court, potentially shaping the next course of legal proceedings in the case. Earlier, the high court had directed Khera to approach the jurisdictional court in Assam within the stipulated period.
