The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera in a defamation and forgery case linked to allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.
The Court observed that the allegations and counter-allegations appear to be 'politically motivated', which does not require a custodial interrogation.
Khera had challenged the Gauhati high court order which denied him anticipatory bail in the case.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that custodial arrest of Khera was not required in a defamation case when his client is not a flight risk and available for interrogation.
The Assam government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, argued that custodial arrest of Pawan Khera was necessary given the 'seriousness of the allegations' against him.
