The Gauhati High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Pawan Khera (Congress leader) in a defamation case initiated by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The court's decision came after a hearing where Khera's counsel, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the allegations against Khera are politically motivated and that he poses no flight risk. However, the Assam Advocate General, Devajit Saikia, countered this by stating that the case involves serious charges, including cheating and forgery, and that Khera should not receive interim protection. The controversy began when Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan holds three passports and presented documents purportedly showing undisclosed properties and a company in her name. Following these claims, Bhuyan filed a complaint alleging that Khera's statements were false and the documents were forged, leading to the registration of an FIR with the Crime Branch. The FIR includes multiple charges against Khera and others, such as defamation and criminal conspiracy. A detailed court order is expected to follow.