Guwahati, 24 April (HS): Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refrained from commenting, citing the Model Code of Conduct in force during the ongoing Assembly elections after the Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a criminal case registered in Assam.
Addressing the media during election compain, Sarma said he would not make any statement on the matter at this stage due to election-related restrictions. He clarified that any further action in the case lies with Assam Police and indicated that he would review the developments only after May 4, subject to his return to office following the election results.
The court’s order came on a plea filed by Khera seeking protection from arrest after an FIR was lodged against him over alleged remarks targeting the Chief Minister and his family during an election campaign. The bench of Justice Parthjyoti Saikia observed that the case prima facie disclosed offences beyond simple defamation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and held that custodial interrogation was necessary to ascertain the origin and authenticity of certain documents cited by the Congress leader.
The court further noted that Khera had failed to substantiate his claims with credible evidence and that the documents relied upon by him appeared prima facie false based on the investigation conducted so far.
The case originated after a complaint was filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma following statements made by Khera during a press conference in Guwahati. The remarks had triggered political controversy, with the ruling BJP terming them defamatory and politically motivated, while the Congress alleged the case was intended to target opposition voices during elections.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika welcomed the rejection of bail and made serious allegations against Khera, describing him as a “criminal and absconder.” In a post on social media, Hazarika accused the Congress leader of forging documents, including land deeds and passports, to influence the electoral process.
He further questioned the possible involvement of other individuals in what he termed a larger conspiracy and asserted that all those responsible would face legal consequences. The minister also claimed that Khera had been operating through intermediaries.
Meanwhile, the Model Code of Conduct, enforced following the announcement of the election schedule, restricts public officials from making politically sensitive statements, which appears to have guided the Chief Minister’s decision to avoid direct comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Counting of votes for the Assam Assembly elections is scheduled for May 4.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
