Pawan Khera Moves Gauhati High Court for Anticipatory Bail in Assam Police Case

April 20, 2026 : Congress leader Pawan Khera has approached the Gauhati High Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a case registered by the Assam Police. The move comes after the Supreme Court of India declined to extend the interim protection that had earlier shielded him from arrest and advised him to seek relief from the appropriate court in Assam.

The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Khera during a press interaction, in which he referred to the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Following these statements, the Assam Police registered an FIR invoking multiple penal provisions, setting off legal proceedings that have since traversed different courts.

Prior to moving the Gauhati High Court, Khera had secured temporary relief in the form of transit anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court. However, that protection lapsed after proceedings before the Supreme Court, prompting him to pursue legal remedies within Assam.

In his latest plea, Khera has sought protection from arrest while the investigation continues. The case has attracted attention due to its legal and political dimensions, particularly questions around jurisdiction and the process of obtaining anticipatory bail across states. The Gauhati High Court is expected to take up the matter shortly, and its ruling will be crucial in determining whether interim relief is granted.