New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday stayed an order of the Telangana High Court that had granted one-week transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR registered in Assam.

The case stems from remarks allegedly made by Khera against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

Hearing the matter, the apex court directed Khera to approach the competent court in Assam for appropriate relief. It also issued notice on a plea filed by the Assam government challenging the Telangana High Court’s decision to grant transit protection.

At the same time, the Supreme Court clarified that if Khera moves an anticipatory bail application before a court in Assam, its present order will not prejudice his case. The development adds a fresh legal turn to the ongoing dispute, with proceedings now expected to shift to courts in Assam.