Congress leader Pawan Khera suffered a legal setback on Friday after the Supreme Court refused to extend his transit bail in the case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, directing him instead to approach the competent court in Assam for relief.
The development comes just two days after the apex court stayed the anticipatory bail granted to Khera by the Telangana High Court, tightening the legal pressure on the Congress spokesperson.
Supreme Court Directs Khera to Move Assam Court
While refusing to extend transit bail, the Supreme Court clarified that its previous order dated April 15 should not adversely affect the Assam court’s decision.
According to the bench, the local court hearing the matter must decide Khera’s plea on its own merits, without being influenced by earlier orders passed either by the Supreme Court or the Telangana High Court.
Court Says Bail Plea Must Be Decided Independently
“The court deciding the application shall not be adversely influenced by any order granting transit bail or otherwise. This means that when an application seeking anticipatory bail is filed before the competent court, such court shall decide the plea on its own merits, uninfluenced by any prior order,” the bench said.
The Supreme Court further observed that Khera is free to move the appropriate court in Assam, and in case the court is not functioning, he may request the registry to process the matter according to law.
“In view of the above, the respondent is at liberty to approach the appropriate court. In case the court is not functioning, a request may be made to the court registry, and the same shall act in accordance with law,” the bench added.
Legal Battle Intensifies for Congress Leader
The Supreme Court’s refusal to extend interim protection marks a significant setback for Pawan Khera, who is now left with no option but to seek legal relief in Assam, where the case has been registered.
The case was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, adding political significance to the legal proceedings involving the Congress leader.
With the Supreme Court making it clear that all future relief must be sought through the Assam judiciary, the legal battle now shifts entirely to the state court.
Q1. What relief did Pawan Khera seek from the Supreme Court?
Pawan Khera sought an extension of his transit bail in a case filed in Assam.
Q2. What did the Supreme Court decide?
The Supreme Court refused to extend his transit bail and directed him to approach the competent court in Assam.
Q3. Who filed the case against Pawan Khera?
The case was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Q4. What did the court say about earlier bail orders?
The court said the Assam court must decide the matter independently, without being influenced by earlier orders.
Q5. What happens next in the case?
Pawan Khera must now approach a court in Assam for anticipatory bail or any further legal relief.
