Congress to Challenge Gauhati HC Ruling Denying Bail to Pawan Khera in Supreme Court

In a show of unwavering support, the Indian National Congress has announced its intent to contest the Gauhati High Court’s recent decision that denied anticipatory bail to party spokesperson Pawan Khera. The party’s commitment to stand by Khera was emphasized by senior leader Jairam Ramesh, who expressed confidence that justice would triumph over what he described as tactics of intimidation and harassment.

The case against Khera arose from a complaint lodged by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Assam Police has accused Khera of defamation, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, stemming from allegations made by Khera on April 5. He asserted that he possessed documents indicating that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple passports from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Antigua and Barbuda—a claim that both she and her husband have categorically denied. They have also alleged that Khera’s accusations are founded on forged documentation.

Khera’s anticipatory bail plea was rejected by the Gauhati High Court on Friday, prompting the Congress party to prepare for an appeal in the Supreme Court. In a tweet, Ramesh reiterated the party’s united front, stating, “The entire Indian National Congress stands solidly in solidarity with @Pawankhera, the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Department. We are confident that justice will prevail.” This statement underscores the party’s strategy to present a united front against perceived political vendettas.

The backdrop of this legal tussle reflects a broader political landscape in Assam, where tensions have been high between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties. The allegations made by Khera have heightened the stakes in a politically charged environment, with accusations of misuse of power and legal mechanisms for political gains becoming a focal point of discussion.

The Congress party’s decision to challenge the Gauhati High Court ruling is seen as a critical step in defending its member against what it perceives as unjust actions driven by political motives. As the case moves forward, it is anticipated that both sides will continue to leverage public platforms to assert their positions, making this a significant legal and political battle in the coming weeks.

Source: scroll.in