Supreme Court to Hear Assam Govt’s Challenge to Relief Granted to Pawan Khera

15 Apr 2026
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The Supreme Court will hear Assam government’s plea against interim relief given to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case over remarks on CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife.

The Supreme Court is set to examine a plea filed by the Assam government challenging interim protection granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a criminal case linked to his remarks on the family of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The case arises from an FIR registered by Assam Police over allegations made by Khera concerning Riniki Bhuyan Sarma. Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted him temporary relief in the form of transit anticipatory bail for one week, allowing him time to seek regular bail before the appropriate court.

The Assam government has now approached the apex court, questioning the High Court’s order and seeking its intervention. The matter is scheduled to be heard by a Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar.

During proceedings in the Telangana High Court, Khera’s legal team argued that the case was politically motivated and that the allegations, even if disputed, did not warrant arrest. On the other hand, the Assam government contended that the petition should not have been entertained outside its jurisdiction.

The controversy has intensified political exchanges between the BJP and Congress, with both sides accusing each other of misuse of institutions. Such legal battles often extend beyond the courtroom, shaping public discourse during election cycles.

From a broader perspective, the case highlights the fine line between political speech and criminal liability. For public figures, legal scrutiny over statements is increasingly becoming a key aspect of political accountability in a highly polarised environment.