Supreme Court refuses to extend Pawan Khera's transit anticipatory bail

The Supreme Court has refused to extend the transit anticipatory bail of Pawan Khera till Tuesday in a defamation case filed by the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He had sought the extension to approach a competent court in Assam, citing that the local courts were currently closed. However, the apex court declined the request, stating that he is at liberty to move an anticipatory bail application before the Assam court immediately. The Supreme Court also clarified that the trial court in Assam must decide the matter based on its own merit and the evidence presented, without being influenced by the top court's earlier observations or its decision to stay the relief order. Previously, the Telangana High Court had granted a one-week transit anticipatory bail to him on April 10, which was subsequently challenged by the State of Assam and stayed by the Supreme Court. The main matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, and the focus now shifts to whether the local or high court in Assam will grant him anticipatory bail.