New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a forgery and defamation case linked to his allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.

The top court’s decision comes a day after it reserved its verdict on Khera’s plea challenging a Gauhati High Court order that had denied him anticipatory bail.

A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar heard arguments from both sides before delivering relief to Khera. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera, argued that custodial arrest in a defamation case was unwanted, stressing that his client was neither a flight risk nor uncooperative with the investigation.

Singhvi criticised the Assam government’s stance, contending that personal liberty is a right and not a “privilege” to be denied. He also questioned the addition of forgery charges, claiming they were introduced later and did not form part of the original complaint. He further alleged that the case was driven by “malice” and political pressure.

Representing the Assam government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea, arguing that the allegations were serious and warranted custodial interrogation. He told the court that the case involved the alleged fabrication of official documents, including passport-related elements such as seals and QR codes, which required a thorough investigation.

Mehta also claimed that Khera had been evading authorities while continuing to make public statements, and stressed the need to determine whether others were involved and if the matter had broader implications, including possible foreign links.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma after Khera alleged at a press conference that she possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas assets, claims she has denied.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined to extend transit anticipatory bail granted to Khera by the Telangana High Court and directed him to seek relief from the appropriate court in Assam. After being denied bail by the Gauhati High Court, Khera moved the apex court.

With ANI inputs