Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Friday made a pointed appeal to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant relief to party colleague Pawan Khera in a case linked to remarks concerning the chief minister’s wife.
Welcoming the ruling, Singhvi said it reinforces the legal principle that arrest should not be used routinely, stressing that it must remain “not the first, but the last resort.”
A Direct Appeal to the Chief Minister
Referring to observations recorded in the judgment, Singhvi made an unusual public appeal to Sarma, urging him to reconsider his position.
“With folded hands, I request the Chief Minister of Assam to reflect on the stand attributed to him in the judgment,” Singhvi said, while acknowledging that he was “not in a position to advise” the state leader.
He further criticised statements attributed to Sarma that were cited in the court proceedings, describing them as “unrepeatable, unprintable, and unstatable.” Singhvi noted that even the Supreme Court had refrained from reproducing certain portions, suggesting that such language “debases and devalues democratic discourse.”
He added that expressing regret, even without a formal apology, could enhance the dignity of public office. Singhvi also pointed out that the Solicitor General had neither defended nor justified the statements during the hearing.
Sarma Responds Sharply
Responding on social media, Sarma rejected Singhvi’s remarks, stating that he does not require “lessons on democracy, public discourse, or decency” from the Congress leader.
He further alleged that the case involved attacks on a private individual with no political role, claiming that her character had been targeted using allegedly fabricated documents aired on national television.
Sarma expressed confidence that the judiciary would take appropriate action and that those responsible would be held accountable. He also criticised Singhvi for raising the issue in a forum where he could not directly respond, calling it an attempt to avoid a fair debate.
“This is just the beginning, not the end,” the chief minister added.
Congress Welcomes Verdict
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a reaffirmation of constitutional safeguards.
“The Constitution has prevailed today. It is a moment of satisfaction,” he said, adding that the judgment reflects the continued strength of institutional protections.
What the Supreme Court Said
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar granted anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera, observing that the case appeared to stem more from political rivalry than a genuine need for custodial interrogation.
The court noted that the allegations and counter-allegations were prima facie politically motivated and emphasised that their veracity should be tested during trial rather than through arrest.
It also remarked that references to Section 339 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in earlier proceedings were not justified, pointing out that the provision was not cited in the FIR itself.
Khera has been directed to cooperate fully with the investigation, appear before authorities when required, and refrain from influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. He has also been restricted from leaving the country without prior permission.
The Supreme Court clarified that its observations are limited to the bail proceedings and will not affect the merits of the case.
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