SC To Hear Congress Leader Pawan Khera's Plea Against HC Verdict Upholding Charges For Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi

The Supreme Court is set to review a petition today (16 October) by Pawan Khera, a Congress leader, challenging the Allahabad High Court's decision not to dismiss criminal proceedings against him for purportedly making derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Prashant Kumar Mishra is scheduled to hear this case.

The matter was initially slated for 13 October but was postponed as Khera's legal representation requested more time to submit additional documents.

The High Court had previously rejected Khera's plea on 17 August, asserting that the evidence gathered by the investigating officer could not be assessed in a petition filed under section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) to quash the case.

It was suggested that Khera should present all his concerns before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow, as per the Supreme Court's directive.

Earlier, on 20 March, the Supreme Court consolidated three first information reports (FIRs) filed against Khera in Assam and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Modi.

The case was transferred to the Hazratganj Police Station in Lucknow while Khera's interim bail was extended. The Lucknow court had previously granted him bail in this matter.

Khera expressed an unconditional apology in court regarding the alleged comments.

He was taken into custody by the Assam Police for his purported remarks about PM Modi during a press conference in Mumbai on 17 February.

Khera was apprehended at Delhi airport on 23 February, but the Supreme Court granted him interim bail on the same day, extending it subsequently.