Singhvi Appeals for Restraint, Himanta Sarma Hits Back
May 1, 2026: Invoking the Supreme Court’s relief to Pawan Khera, senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi urged restraint, saying arrest should be a last resort, not the first. Referring to remarks cited in the court’s observations, he made a direct appeal to Himanta Biswa Sarma to reconsider his stand. Singhvi said certain statements in the public domain were “unprintable” and argued that expressing regret could elevate public discourse and strengthen democratic values.
Hitting back, Sarma rejected what he called “lessons on democracy,” asserting that the issue involved a private individual whose character was allegedly targeted using fabricated documents. Taking to social media, he accused Congress leaders of avoiding direct debate and warned that legal proceedings would continue. The sharp exchange has intensified the political tussle ahead of the Assam election results.
The Supreme Court bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar granted anticipatory bail to Khera, observing that the case appeared politically motivated and did not require custodial interrogation. The court also noted discrepancies in the application of legal provisions, including Section 339 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Welcoming the verdict, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called it a victory for the Constitution, while the court clarified that its observations are limited to the bail plea and will not impact the trial.