Guwahati : The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, over allegations related to her purported possession of multiple passports.

A single-judge bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia delivered the order after reserving judgment on April 21 following detailed arguments from both sides. The court’s detailed reasoning is awaited.

Appearing for Khera, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the proceedings were politically motivated, pointing to alleged statements made by the Chief Minister against his client. He contended that the case reflected political vendetta, particularly in the run-up to elections.

Senior counsel KN Choudhary supported the submissions, terming the allegations “scandalous” and asserting that their framing indicated deliberate malice. The defence further argued that the matter, at best, amounted to criminal defamation and should be pursued through a private complaint.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia submitted that the case went beyond defamation and involved serious offences, including alleged fabrication of documents and title deeds. He argued that the charges invoked relate to cheating and forgery.

Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera one week of transit anticipatory bail on April 10, enabling him to approach the appropriate court. However, the Supreme Court of India stayed this relief on April 15 following an appeal by Assam Police.

The apex court later declined to vacate the stay or extend transit protection, while clarifying that its interim order and observations by the Telangana High Court should not influence the merits of any anticipatory bail plea filed before a competent court in Assam.

Against this backdrop, Khera approached the Gauhati High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

The FIR, registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch Police Station, invokes multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to false statements in connection with elections, cheating, forgery of valuable security and public records, use of forged documents, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace, and defamation.

The case arises from Khera’s public claims alleging that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holds multiple passports. Earlier this month, Assam Police conducted searches in Hyderabad, where Khera is reported to have a residence, and also visited his Delhi residence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Khera currently serves as Chairman of the Media and Publicity Department of the Congress and is a member of the Congress Working Committee.