New Delhi, May 1: The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a criminal defamation and forgery case filed on a complaint by Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Top Court Cites Personal Liberty
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul Chandurkar observed that allegations and counter-allegations had been made by both sides and stressed that personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution cannot be jeopardised lightly.

“At this stage, we are cognisant of the fact that the personal liberty of an individual… cannot be put to jeopardy lightly,” the court said.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Spends 4 Hours Inside Strongroom, Alleges EVM Tampering; BJP Calls Allegations 'Rumours'

Relief After HC Rejection
The relief came after the Gauhati High Court rejected Khera’s anticipatory bail plea.

The apex court directed that Khera be released on bail in the event of arrest, subject to conditions set by the investigating officer.

Conditions Imposed
The court instructed Khera to cooperate with the investigation, appear before police when required, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. He has also been barred from leaving the country without prior permission of the competent court.

The trial court has been given liberty to impose additional conditions if necessary.

Case Background
The case arises from Khera’s allegations that Riniki Bhuyan Sarma held multiple foreign passports and had financial interests abroad.