The Supreme Court has commenced the hearing on the appeal filed by senior Congress leader Pawan Khera against the Guwahati High Court's decision. Khera is facing legal challenges over controversial statements made against the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. After hearing the arguments from both sides, the court has reserved its judgment. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Pawan Khera, while Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta presented arguments on behalf of the state.
SG Mehta Alleges Use of Fake Documents
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised strong objections to Khera's statements. The SG stated that the remark 'Bunty Babli are going to disappear' was intended to tarnish the image of the individuals involved. He further informed the court that fake documents were displayed during the incident, which constitutes a criminal act. The SG argued that arrests are mandatory in cases registered under non-bailable sections, emphasizing the gravity of the offense committed during the election campaign.
Claims Regarding Passports and Custodial Interrogation
The Solicitor General detailed that during the election campaign, a statement was made mentioning passports. He alleged that fake documents were cited, and the passports in question were never issued by the respective countries. Given these circumstances, the case was registered. Citing a previous Supreme Court judgment, the SG argued that it's crucial to identify who provided these fake documents and the motive behind it, which necessitates custodial interrogation.
Khera's Current Status and Court's Decision
SG Mehta further claimed in court that Pawan Khera is currently absconding. He pointed out that Khera has been releasing videos stating that he's in a safe location to avoid the police of a particular state. In response to these arguments, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi requested time to counter the SG's submissions and referred to certain legal precedents. Consequently, the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea after concluding the arguments.
The Solicitor General repeatedly emphasized that the use of fake passports and documents during an election campaign was a deliberate attempt to mislead. He maintained that custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the facts behind this alleged conspiracy, while the legal community and political circles now await the final order from the Supreme Court regarding Khera's plea.