Congress leader Pawan Khera has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to grant him anticipatory bail, calling it a message against the misuse of state power and a victory against 'political vendetta'.
The case stems from remarks made by Khera in connection with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma.
The Supreme Court, in its order, observed that the competing allegations could be tested during trial rather than requiring custodial interrogation at this stage.
Khera thanked Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, for their 'unwavering support'.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, however, pushed back strongly, saying he does not need 'lessons on democracy, public discourse or decency' from Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
The Supreme Court noted that the case carried elements of political rivalry, underlining that the 'allegations and counter-allegations were prima facie politically motivated'. It also directed Khera to cooperate fully with the investigation and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
