The Gauhati High Court has denied anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera, a Congress leader, in a defamation case initiated by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The allegations against Khera include making false statements about Sharma's purported possession of multiple passports and undisclosed overseas assets. During the court proceedings, Khera's counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the case is politically motivated, especially with upcoming elections, and emphasized that Khera poses no flight risk. The court's decision follows a series of legal maneuvers, including Khera's earlier attempt to secure transit anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court, which was later stayed by the Supreme Court of India. The case raises significant concerns about political rivalry and the use of legal mechanisms in electoral contexts.