Congress Leader Pawan Khera Granted Pre-Arrest Bail in Defamation Case Filed by Assam CM’s Wife

In a significant legal development on May 1, 2026, Congress leader Pawan Khera was granted pre-arrest bail by the court in connection with a defamation case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case originated from remarks made by Khera during a press conference, which the complainant alleged were defamatory and intended to malign her reputation. The court’s decision provides Khera with protection from immediate custody, allowing him to participate in the legal proceedings without the threat of arrest while the investigation continues.

This ruling comes at a time of heightened political tension, following a historic voter turnout in the Assam Assembly elections and the lead-up to the counting of votes on May 4. The defamation suit is part of a broader series of legal and political confrontations between the Congress party and the BJP leadership in Assam. While granting the relief, the court typically requires the petitioner to cooperate with the investigation and refrain from making further statements that could influence the case, providing a temporary legal reprieve for the opposition leader amid the high-stakes electoral environment.