Telangana HC reserves order on Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail plea after sharp exchanges

The Telangana High Court on Thursday reserved its order on a transit anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera, following a heated courtroom hearing marked by allegations of political vendetta and misuse of legal process.

The plea comes after Assam Police registered a case in Guwahati against Khera over his remarks about the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

Khera approached the court seeking protection from arrest, citing his residence in Hyderabad and asserting he is a law-abiding citizen willing to cooperate with the investigation.

‘Political vendetta’ vs ‘serious offences’

Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case was politically motivated, saying multiple charges had been invoked over what was essentially a press statement. He questioned the need for arrest, calling the police action excessive and likening it to a “wild west” approach.

Singhvi also objected to the deployment of a large Assam Police team to Khera’s residence, calling it disproportionate for a case rooted in alleged defamation.

On the other hand, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia rejected claims of vendetta, alleging that the case involved forgery and fraud, going beyond mere defamation.

He also questioned Khera’s decision to seek relief from the Telangana High Court instead of courts in Assam or Delhi, arguing that such extra-territorial protection should only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Court reserves verdict

After hearing arguments from both sides for over an hour, Justice K. Sujana reserved the order, with a decision expected soon.

The case stems from Khera’s April 5 remarks alleging undisclosed assets and multiple passports linked to the Chief Minister’s wife — claims the Sarma family has strongly denied as “false and malicious.”