The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera challenging the decision of the Allahabad High Court, which declined to dismiss criminal proceedings against him in a case linked to his alleged objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Prashant Kumar Mishra is set to consider the plea. The case was previously listed on October 13 but was postponed when Khera’s legal counsel requested additional time to submit supplementary documents, reported PTI.
Also Read:Relief for Pawan Khera: Supreme Court grants interim bail in case over remarks against PM Modi
On August 17, the High court dismissed Khera’s petition, stating that the evidence gathered by the investigating officer couldn’t be assessed in a petition filed under section 482 of the CrPC for the quashing of the case.
The High Court noted that, since the Supreme Court had directed Khera to raise all his contentions before the chief judicial magistrate in Lucknow, it would be more suitable for him to present his grievances before that court.
Also Read: Congress leader Pawan Khera arrested at Delhi airport over remarks on PM Modi
On March 20, the Supreme Court consolidated three FIRs filed against Khera in Assam and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Modi. The case was then transferred to the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow, with his interim bail extended. Khera had previously been granted bail by the Lucknow court.
Khera has expressed an unconditional apology in court regarding the alleged remarks. The Congress spokesperson was apprehended at the Delhi airport on February 23, following his removal from a plane bound for Raipur. However, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail on the same day, extending it as necessary.
The Congress leader was arrested by the Assam Police in connection with his purported remarks against PM Modi, made during a press conference in Mumbai on February 17.
(With PTI inputs)