The Supreme Court ordered the Magistrate to release Congress party’s detained spokesperson Pawan Khera on interim bail until Tuesday in a case of defaming the Prime Minister, a constitutional authority, during a press conference.
Defamation is a serious crime punishable under law when proven since it constitutes to attacking the dignity of a person.
A netizen shared a video showing the release of the infamous congress party member being escorted by the police. Take a look:
Pawan khera sir released by Assam police. Tight slap to Himanta Biswa Sharma and bhakts. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OwlPzMQ4Gx
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) February 23, 2023
High drama was witnessed at the Delhi airport on the morning of February 23rd after senior Congress leader Pawan Khera was deplaned and arrested by the police in connection with a case registered in Assam. Which resulted in a protest on tarmac by several party leaders.
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud said some level should be maintained during the public discourse and the apex court has scheduled a hearing of this case on Monday, February 27, 2023.
The court was shown the video of the press conference being referred to against which, senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, for Mr. Khera said, he himself would not stand by the use of such language during the public discourse. He said Mr. Khera has tendered his unconditional apology. His words were not meant to be personally offensive. He said the wrong sections have been applied against him. Offenses which Mr. Khera has been booked under, if found guilty, would mean imprisonment of up to a minimum of three to five years.
Mr. Khera has been variously booked under IPC Sections 153A (promoting religious enmity), 153B (imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration), 295A (outraging religious feelings), 500 (defamation), 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 505 (statements amounting to public mischief), 120B (criminal conspiracy)in Uttar Pradesh and Assam.
Several Congress leaders have attacked the Centre for this arrest however a formal hearing in this case awaits till Monday, February 27, 2023.
