The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera in a criminal case filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. The case pertains to allegations made by Khera that Sarma's wife possessed multiple passports and undisclosed offshore properties.
A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and A S Chandurkar concluded the hearing on Khera's plea, which challenged the Gauhati High Court's decision dismissing his pre-arrest bail petition.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Khera, argued for bail, stating that the Chief Minister had made several objectionable remarks against the Congress functionary. He contended that this indicated Khera would be arrested even though custodial interrogation was not required in the case.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Assam government, opposed the plea, alleging that Khera had shown fake and doctored copies of the passports belonging to the Chief Minister's wife. He further submitted that Khera had been absconding and that all allegations against the CM's wife were false.
The court reserved its verdict after hearing both sides. The case has drawn significant attention due to the political implications involving a senior Congress leader and the Assam Chief Minister.
