Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Pawan Khera in Assam Defamation Case

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case involving allegations of defamation and forgery registered by the Assam Police.

The bench set aside a Gauhati High Court order that had mandated custodial interrogation.

The Court observed that the case, which stemmed from allegations made against the Assam Chief Minister’s wife, appeared to be "politically motivated" and influenced by rivalry.

Emphasising that personal liberty cannot be lightly curtailed in matters with political overtones, the Court directed Khera’s release in the event of arrest, provided he cooperates with the investigation.

[Pawan Khera v. State of Assam]