Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Pawan Khera's Bail Plea Amid Defamation Case
Himanta Sarma Like "Constitutional Cowboy": Pawan Khera's Bail Hearing
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The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea related to allegedly defamatory remarks about Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. Khera's lawyer argued against the necessity of arrest, while the state's Solicitor General insisted on custodial interrogation to verify Khera's claims.
- 01Pawan Khera faces charges of defamation and reputational damage against Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.
- 02The Supreme Court's decision on Khera's bail plea is pending.
- 03Khera's lawyer argued there is no need for arrest given the nature of the charges.
- 04The Solicitor General claims custodial interrogation is essential for the case.
- 05Khera's allegations include serious accusations against Sarma's wife regarding illegal activities.
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The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera, who is facing a case filed by the Guwahati Police for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. During the hearing, Khera's senior advocate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, described the case as 'unprecedented' and criticized the Chief Minister's conduct, suggesting it was unbecoming of a constitutional office-holder. Singhvi argued that the charges against Khera, primarily defamation, do not warrant arrest or custodial interrogation. He emphasized the protection of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, asserting that Khera is not a hardened criminal. In contrast, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that custodial interrogation is necessary to establish the authenticity of documents Khera presented to support his claims, which include serious allegations against Riniki Sarma involving illegal activities and undisclosed properties. The Gauhati High Court had previously denied Khera's bail plea, labeling him a 'flight risk' and ruling that his comments were directed at a private individual, not a political figure. This case follows a press conference where Khera made allegations regarding the Sarma family's international ties and properties.
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The outcome of Khera's bail plea could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving public figures are handled in India, impacting political discourse.
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