Telangana High Court Reserves Order on Pawan Khera's Pre-arrest Bail Plea in FIR By Assam CM’s Wife

The Telangana High Court on Thursday reserved its order on the anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR registered in Assam over his allegations against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The FIR is over Khera's statements at a press conference, where he alleged that the Chief Minister’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, possessed multiple foreign passports and had undisclosed overseas assets.

The FIR was registered following a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma before the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station.

Khera approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail, arguing that his family and residence are in Hyderabad.

The Guwahati Police registered the FIR invoking multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 175, 35, 36, 318, 337, 338, 340, 352 and 356 (corresponding to the Indian Penal Code Sections 171G, 97, 98, 415, 466, 467, 471, 504 and 499, respectively) which broadly deal with allegations of false statements linked to elections, cheating, different forms of forgery and use of forged documents, intentional insult, and defamation.

The bench of Justice K Sujana, after hearing both sides today, said orders would be pronounced later, likely on Friday.

During the hearing, Khera’s counsel, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the allegations were politically motivated and did not disclose any cognizable offence. It was also submitted that he had not been provided a copy of the FIR and that custodial interrogation was not required, as the entire evidence in the case is digital.

Opposing the plea, the State submitted that the statements were defamatory and part of a deliberate attempt to spread false information, warranting investigation. The Advocate General of Assam, Devajit Saikia, also alleged that Khera is an established flight risk.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by Assam Police to trace the Congress leader. Teams had earlier visited his Delhi residence and later travelled to Hyderabad in connection with the investigation, coordinating with local authorities.

Khera is a member of the Congress Working Committee and head of the party’s media and publicity department.

Case Title: Pawan Khera vs. The State of Telangana

Hearing Date: April 9, 2026

Bench: Justice K Sujana