Digital Desk: The Supreme Court has stayed the one-week transit-bail previously granted to senior Congress leader Pawan Khera by the Telangana High Court.
The ruling follows a challenge by the Assam government against the High Court's decision.
The legal dispute stems from allegations made by Khera, who claimed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma own a company and hold multiple foreign passports.
In response, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma filed a case with the Guwahati Crime Branch, citing several criminal and defamation charges.
A bench comprising Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar issued a notice to Khera, seeking a response within three weeks.
While the apex court stayed the transit bail, it clarified that the order would not prevent Khera from applying for anticipatory bail in the Assam court.
"Issue notice. Meanwhile, the impugned order should be stayed. In case the petitioner applies for anticipatory bail before the court having jurisdiction in Assam, and while deciding such an application, the order passed today will not have any effect. Issue notice. Returnable in three weeks," the Court noted.