SC Denies Anticipatory Bail to Pawan Khera: Reprimands Leader Over Forged Documents

The Supreme Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, reprimanding him for submitting "forged and fabricated" documents. The court directed Khera to approach the Guwahati High Court immediately, clarifying that its observations would not influence the merits of the case in the lower court.

Supreme Court Refuses Relief and Transit Bail Extension

The Supreme Court has refused to grant anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera and issued a stern reprimand. The court denied Khera's request to extend his transit bail, directing him to approach the appropriate court in Assam, while the Supreme Court clarified that any petition filed in the Assam court wouldn't be influenced by the Supreme Court's previous orders or the observations made by the Telangana High Court. Khera has been ordered to file his anticipatory bail application in the Guwahati High Court after this afternoon.

Displeasure Over Forged and Fabricated Documents

During the hearing, the Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the submission of incorrect documents in the High Court. Justice Maheshwari remarked that forged and fabricated documents can't be filed. The court further stated that its comments regarding the fake documents wouldn't affect the proceedings in the Guwahati High Court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the petition, while Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Pawan Khera.

Arguments by Singhvi and Reference to Article 21

Abhishek Manu Singhvi informed the court that an ex-parte order had been passed in the case and that Khera's transit bail was expiring. He invoked Article 21 of the Constitution, requesting an extension of the bail until Tuesday to allow time to file in Assam. When the court questioned why the petition was filed in Telangana instead of Assam, Singhvi explained it was done in haste and correct documents were later submitted. He mentioned that Khera's wife is a candidate for the MLA position in Telangana, and her affidavit was filed the same day.

Police Presence in Nizamuddin and Final Directives

Singhvi highlighted that 100 police personnel were sent to Nizamuddin, alleging bias because a Chief Minister was offended. Justice Maheshwari pointed out that the petition filed in Telangana didn't even contain an address. Singhvi termed the error a "small mistake," which the court challenged. Ultimately, the Supreme Court directed Khera to file the petition in Assam today, stating that the High Court should decide the matter based on its merits.