Setback For Pawan Khera, Supreme Court Stays Telangana High Court’s Transit Bail Order
Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court has intervened in the case of Congress leader Pawan Khera by staying the Telangana High Court’s order that granted him one-week transit anticipatory bail. This ruling was issued amid allegations against him by Assam Police relating to claims made about the wife of Chief Minister Himanta Sarma.
According to the Supreme Court’s order, Khera is required to seek appropriate legal relief in the competent jurisdictional court in Assam. A bench consisting of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar has issued notice to Khera, mandating a response within three weeks regarding a plea submitted by the Assam government to stay his transit bail.
Background of the Case
The Telangana High Court had initially granted Khera one week of anticipatory bail on April 10, following claims made by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case stems from allegations regarding the disclosure of her passports and ownership of luxury properties, as well as a company located in Wyoming, USA.
Khera alleged that Sharma holds three passports and possesses undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai. In contrast, the Sarma family has vehemently denied these accusations, describing the documentation as “AI-generated fabrications” that have been disseminated by groups on social media from Pakistan.
Police Actions
Earlier this month, Assam Police had attempted to visit Khera’s residence in Delhi, but he was not present as he was in Hyderabad at that time. Following these developments, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the police’s actions, characterizing them as a “witch hunt” against Khera.
Next Steps for Khera
The Supreme Court’s order clarifies that if Khera wishes to apply for anticipatory bail in Assam, the decision made by the top court will not impede that process. This ruling effectively puts a hold on the transit bail previously authorized by the Telangana High Court while addressing the legal procedures in Assam.
