Hyderabad: The Supreme Court stayed the bail relief granted to Pawan Khera, setting aside the Telangana High Court’s order that provided him transit anticipatory bail.
A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria passed the interim order while issuing notice on a petition filed by the Assam government. The court said the operation of the High Court order would remain stayed.
The decision removed the interim protection from arrest earlier granted to Khera. However, the Bench allowed him to approach a competent court in Assam for anticipatory bail.
Pawan Khera case centres on jurisdiction and defamation charges
The Assam government argued that the Telangana High Court lacked territorial jurisdiction to hear Khera’s plea. It stated that the alleged offence occurred in Assam and the FIR was also registered there.
Counsel for the state said Khera’s move amounted to forum selection and misuse of legal process. Meanwhile, the court noted that Khera had sought an extension of interim protection.
Earlier, the Telangana High Court granted transit anticipatory bail for one week. The order allowed Khera to approach the appropriate court for regular bail.
Khera moved the High Court after Assam Police registered a case against him over alleged defamatory remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
During the High Court hearing, his counsel argued that the case stemmed from political vendetta. He said the allegations, even if incorrect, would amount to defamation and not justify arrest.
Opposing the plea, the Assam government questioned why Khera approached a court outside the state. It argued that he had no valid reason to seek relief in Telangana.
Assam Police registered the case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy.