The Gauhati High Court has reprimanded the Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Sarma, for not filing a response to Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera is embroiled in a defamation case initiated by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, who accused him of making false statements regarding her alleged possession of multiple passports and undisclosed overseas assets. During the hearing, Khera's lawyer, Senior Counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, highlighted the political motivations behind the case, especially with elections approaching, questioning the fairness of the proceedings given the Chief Minister's involvement. Khera's legal team contends that he poses no flight risk and should not be arrested. The case has seen multiple legal maneuvers, including a stay by the Supreme Court on Khera's transit anticipatory bail granted by the Telangana High Court. The Supreme Court has indicated that Khera may apply for anticipatory bail in Assam without the interim order affecting the application.