Supreme Court Refuses Arrest Protection to Pawan Khera in Assam FIR, Asks Him to Seek Bail Locally

April 17, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India on Friday declined to grant Congress leader Pawan Khera protection from arrest in connection with an FIR registered in Assam over his alleged defamatory remarks against the wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A Bench led by Justice Maheshwari refused Khera’s request to extend the duration of his transit anticipatory bail, including his plea to continue interim protection till Tuesday. The Court directed him to approach the competent jurisdictional court in Assam to seek anticipatory bail.

The Bench also clarified that if the concerned court is not functioning, Khera may seek urgent listing of his plea, which would be considered in accordance with law.