The Supreme Court has refused to grant continued protection to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case arising from an FIR filed by the Assam Police. Instead of extending his interim relief, the Court directed him to approach the Gauhati High Court or another competent court in Assam for appropriate remedies.
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar observed that since the case originates in Assam, any request for anticipatory bail should be pursued within that jurisdiction. The Court made it clear that such pleas must be considered independently by the concerned court, without being influenced by earlier interim orders.
Khera had sought an extension of his transit anticipatory bail, arguing that he required more time to approach the courts in Assam. However, the Supreme Court declined to grant additional time, noting that he is at liberty to move the appropriate forum and seek urgent listing if necessary.
This ruling follows the apex court’s earlier decision to stay an order of the Telangana High Court that had granted Khera temporary protection from arrest. At the time, the Supreme Court had questioned the jurisdictional basis of seeking relief outside the state where the FIR was registered.
The case against Khera stems from remarks he made during a press interaction concerning the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The statements led to allegations of defamation and the filing of criminal charges.
With the Supreme Court stepping back from granting further protection, the matter will now proceed before courts in Assam, where Khera is expected to seek anticipatory bail in accordance with law.
The post Supreme Court declines relief to Pawan Khera, points him to Gauhati High Court appeared first on India Legal.