Pawan Khera Case: SC Extends Interim Bail Till March 17

The Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala adjourned the Pawan Khera’s matter for March 17 and extended his interim baail till then, that is, till after the Holi break of the court. The court also extended Khera’s interim bail till then.

Previously, The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Mr. Pawan Khera. He fumbled up the name of PM Narendra Modi at a press conference while demanding for a probe in the Adani- Hidenburg related issue. As a result of the same, several FIRs were filed against him in different regions including Assam, Varanasi and Lucknow. 

The Supreme Court bench passed the order after the arrest of Khera at the Delhi Airport by the Assam Police. The order for interim bail was given so that the petitioner could apply for regular bail in the court of the magistrate where he would be later produced.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared on behalf of Khera sought for the clubbing of FIRs filed against Kheri together. The Court looked for the response of States of Uttar Pradesh and Assam about the same.

Affidavit Filed By Assam Government:

The Assam government has opposed Pawan Khera’s bail citing that the apology given by him and put forth by the his counsel in the previous hearing was only a tactical one. The state said that it was done to get a preventive order.It was further submitted by the state that the petitioner had mischievously uttered the concerned sentences with an extreme degree of irresponsibility.

Affidavit filed by the Uttar Pradesh Government:

The Uttar Pradesh government also opposed Khers’s bail and said that he is not entitled to approach the apex court in the course of the investigation. It was submitted that the petitioner is jumping from the normal procedure given under Code Of Criminal Procedure using Article 32 of the constitution.

Pawan Khera is facing charges for offences under section 153A, 153B, 295A, 505 of IPC.

Background:

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera recently commented on the name of PM Narendra Modi at a press conference while demanding for a probe in the Adani- Hidenburg related issue. It has been further alleged that the name was spoken incorrectly by him deliberately. 

He was supposed to board a flight to Chhattisgarh from the Delhi Airport. There, he was supposed to attend All India Congress Committee (AICC). However, he was debarked from the aircraft. FIRs were registered against him in several regions including Lucknow, Assam and Varanasi.