Guwahati, Apr 21: The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday reserved its order on Congress leader Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail plea in connection with a case filed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma. The matter relates to allegations that she held multiple passports and undisclosed properties abroad.

A single bench of Justice Parthiv Jyoti Saikia heard arguments from both sides for over three hours before reserving the decision. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera via video conferencing, contended that the case was politically motivated, citing remarks made by the Chief Minister in response to Khera’s allegations. Singhvi argued that Khera was not a flight risk and that his arrest was unnecessary.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia maintained that the charges went beyond defamation, involving serious offences such as cheating and forgery. He submitted that Khera was not entitled to interim protection, describing him as a potential flight risk.

The FIR registered at the Guwahati Crime Branch police station invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to false statements in elections, cheating, forgery of documents, and defamation. Earlier, the Telangana High Court had granted Khera a seven-day transit anticipatory bail, but the Supreme Court subsequently stayed the order.