A day after the Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera, the Congress leader on Saturday said the bail was not just personal, but a message against misuse of state power, alleging that there was a “political vendetta” behind the case.
The case stems from statements made by the Congress leader regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
The order came from a bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandorkar, who said that the rival allegations could be tested during the trial rather than seeking custodial interrogation at this stage.
Responding to the court’s observation, Khera said: “My bail is not only a personal victory and a source of relief, but also a reminder to those who abuse state power that as long as we remain a constitutional democracy, personal liberty cannot be sacrificed for political vendetta.”
Emphasizing the larger principle at stake, he added: “No matter how strong falsehood is, it is the truth that triumphs…Satyameva Jayate!” He also thanked the Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for their “unwavering support”.
Singhvi’s call, Sarma’s sharp response
A day earlier, the court’s decision had prompted Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi to file a clear appeal to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, to a sharp reaction from the latter.
Referring to the observations made in the judgement, Singhvi urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his stand. “There is also a bigger problem,” he said, adding: “Let me preface it by saying that I am no one to advise the Chief Minister of Assam.” He then asked: “I, folding my arms, request the Chief Minister of Assam… does he not wish to sincerely reconsider his position as expressed in the judgment?”
But Sarma backed down forcefully. He said he did not need “lessons in democracy, public discourse or etiquette” from Singhvi, adding that “morals and etiquette can never be in the same room.”
Responding to the Supreme Court order, Sarma stressed that the legal battle is not over yet. He added: “This is just the beginning, not the end.”
Speaking to X, Sarma said the case involved “a woman who has nothing to do with politics.” He claimed her character was attacked “on national television using forged documents from other countries” and said he was confident the courts would take into account and that “the guilty will be punished”.
Court refers to “political rivalry”
The Supreme Court noted that the case involved elements of political rivalry, stressing that “the allegations and counter-allegations were prima facie politically motivated.” She also explained that the veracity of the allegations will be examined during the trial.
While the court granted protection from arrest, it ordered Khaira to fully cooperate with the investigation, appear before the police when needed, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. It also left the door open for the court to impose additional conditions if necessary.
Khaira had approached the Supreme Court after the Guwahati High Court refused to grant him anticipatory bail on April 24.
