Gauhati High Court Rejects Pawan Khera’s Bail Plea, Passport Row Deepens Political Storm in Assam

Congress leader Pawan Khera is facing major legal trouble after the Gauhati High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in the high-profile passport controversy linked to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

The case began after Pawan Khera publicly alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma possessed multiple foreign passports and undisclosed overseas properties. These claims quickly turned into a major political controversy just ahead of the Assam election atmosphere, with the ruling side accusing Khera of trying to polarize the political environment using false narratives.

The FIR was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, who strongly denied the allegations and accused Khera of spreading false information and damaging her reputation. Assam Police registered multiple charges, including forgery, cheating, and defamation. The court observed that the matter was not a simple case of political criticism or ordinary defamation, but involved serious allegations regarding allegedly fabricated documents.

During the hearing, the High Court reportedly made strong observations, stating that political rivalry cannot be used as an excuse to drag family members into controversy, especially when the individual concerned does not hold any political office. The court also questioned the source of the documents presented by Khera and asked who had supplied such papers and whether their authenticity could be established. It noted there appeared to be prima facie material related to forgery and said custodial interrogation could be necessary.

Khera’s legal team argued that the matter was being given a political angle and claimed the case was politically motivated. However, the court did not grant relief and dismissed the anticipatory bail plea, increasing the possibility of further legal action against him.

Political reactions have intensified after the order. The BJP has called the court’s decision proof that false allegations should not be used for electoral gains, while Congress continues to describe the case as political targeting.

With the High Court’s decision now in place, Pawan Khera may have to seek relief from higher courts. For now, the passport row has become one of Assam’s most talked-about political and legal battles.

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