New Delhi, April 25: The Indian National Congress has thrown its full weight behind Pawan Khera, the party's Media and Publicity Department Chairman, after the Gauhati High Court on Saturday, April 25 rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a criminal case stemming from allegations he made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced the party's intent to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.

Jairam Ramesh Stands Firm in Solidarity

Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly declare the party's unwavering support for Khera. He wrote: "The entire Indian National Congress stands solidly in solidarity with @Pawankhera, the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Department. The verdict of the Guwahati High Court is in the process of being challenged in the Supreme Court. We are confident that justice will prevail over the politics of threat, intimidation, and harrassment."

Ramesh's statement signals that the Congress views this legal battle not merely as a personal fight for Khera, but as a broader political confrontation with the ruling dispensation in Assam. The party is framing the case as an example of alleged political victimisation of opposition voices ahead of future electoral cycles.

Background: The Allegations That Triggered the Case

The controversy traces back to a press conference where Pawan Khera alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, held multiple passports — reportedly from the UAE, Egypt, and Antigua-Barbuda — along with undisclosed foreign assets including properties in Dubai and investments in shell companies.

The allegations were made in the politically charged atmosphere preceding the Assam elections and immediately triggered a fierce political backlash. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma subsequently approached the Guwahati Crime Branch police station, invoking charges including cheating, defamation, forgery of valuable documents and electronic records, and intentional insult.

The case rapidly escalated beyond a local complaint, drawing in multiple courts across different states and eventually reaching the Supreme Court of India.

Chronology of Court Battles

The legal journey has been complex and multi-jurisdictional. The Telangana High Court had earlier granted Khera transit anticipatory bail, providing temporary relief. However, on April 15, the Supreme Court intervened and issued an interim order pausing the grant of anticipatory transit bail, while clarifying that Khera retained the right to seek relief before the appropriate court in Assam.

Khera subsequently returned to the Supreme Court seeking vacation of the stay on the Telangana High Court order, but this appeal was turned down on Friday, April 25. He was directed to approach the Gauhati High Court directly — where his plea was ultimately rejected, marking the most significant legal setback yet in this prolonged battle.

Political and Legal Implications

The rejection of anticipatory bail by the Gauhati High Court leaves Pawan Khera exposed to potential arrest in Assam, significantly raising the political stakes. For the Congress party, this is not just a legal matter — it carries symbolic weight as the party attempts to project itself as a victim of political suppression by the BJP-led government in Assam.

Notably, this case fits into a broader pattern seen across Indian politics where press conferences by opposition leaders making allegations against ruling party figures have resulted in defamation and criminal complaints. Critics argue this trend has a chilling effect on political speech and accountability journalism, while supporters of such legal action contend that false and damaging allegations must carry consequences.

The Congress party's decision to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court ensures this case will remain in national headlines, potentially serving as a rallying point for the opposition in the lead-up to future elections in Assam and nationally.

What Happens Next

With the Congress confirming it will file a challenge in the Supreme Court, the next critical hearing will determine whether Khera receives any interim protection from arrest. Legal observers note that the Supreme Court will need to weigh the balance between personal liberty and the gravity of the criminal charges involved.

The outcome of this Supreme Court challenge will not only decide Khera's immediate legal fate but could also set a precedent for how courts handle politically sensitive defamation and forgery cases involving opposition leaders making allegations against ruling party figures' family members. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court's bench that will hear the matter in the coming days.