Gauhati HC Rejects Khera’s Anticipatory Bail 'Passport Allegations Case'

The Gauhati High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma over allegations related to holding multiple passports. A bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia had reserved its verdict on April 21 after hearing arguments from both sides. While the plea has now been rejected, a detailed order is still awaited.

Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the case was driven by



political vendetta, citing alleged remarks by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He maintained that Khera was not a flight risk and that custodial interrogation was unnecessary. Senior counsel K N Choudhary supported the submissions, terming the allegations “malicious” and suggesting the matter amounted at most to criminal defamation.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia argued that the case involved serious offences such as cheating and forgery, going beyond mere defamation.