The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Congress leader Pawan Khera till March 17. The apex court had earlier granted him interim bail on February 18 in a case related to alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde and comprising Justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian heard the plea filed by Khera seeking extension of his interim bail. The bench granted the extension of the interim bail till March 17.
Khera had moved the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court had refused to extend his interim bail. The High Court had granted him interim bail on February 18 in a case related to alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Khera had been booked by the Delhi Police for allegedly making inflammatory speeches during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He had been booked under Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code.
Khera had moved the Supreme Court seeking extension of his interim bail on the grounds that the trial in the case was yet to begin and that he was not a flight risk. He had also submitted that he had been cooperating with the investigation and had appeared before the police whenever summoned.
The Supreme Court bench, while granting the extension of the interim bail, noted that the trial in the case was yet to begin and that Khera had been cooperating with the investigation. The bench also noted that Khera was not a flight risk and that he had been appearing before the police whenever summoned.
The Supreme Court bench also directed the Delhi Police to expedite the investigation in the case and to ensure that the trial begins at the earliest. The bench also directed the Delhi Police to file a status report in the matter by March 17.
The Supreme Court’s decision to extend the interim bail of Congress leader Pawan Khera till March 17 is a welcome move. It is important to ensure that the trial in the case begins at the earliest and that the investigation is expedited. It is also important to ensure that Khera is not denied his right to a fair trial.