Supreme Court Stays Telangana HC Transit Bail to Pawan Khera in Assam FIR Case

April 15, 2026 : The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday stayed the order of the Telangana High Court granting transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged by Assam Police. The complaint was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Himanta Biswa Sarma, over allegations that she held multiple foreign passports.

A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar issued notice on Assam’s plea challenging the High Court’s April 10 order.

The apex court clarified that if Khera moves a competent court in Assam for anticipatory bail, the present interim order will not prejudice consideration of his plea.

Appearing for the State, Tushar Mehta argued that Khera had not justified approaching the Telangana High Court instead of courts in Assam, raising concerns of “forum shopping” and questioning territorial jurisdiction.

The Bench also took note of the State’s submission that one of the offences carries a maximum punishment of up to 10 years. During the hearing, it was pointed out that Khera cited his wife’s residence in Hyderabad, while the State relied on Aadhaar records showing a Delhi address.

Expressing surprise at the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court also noted that Khera had sought an extension of interim protection.

Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera one week’s transit anticipatory bail to enable him to approach the appropriate court in Assam, citing protection of personal liberty under Article 21.

The FIR registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch includes charges of cheating, forgery, defamation, and making false statements. Assam Police had earlier conducted visits in Hyderabad and Delhi as part of the investigation.