The Supreme Court of India has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case registered by Assam Police. Setting aside the Gauhati High Court order, the apex court observed that the allegations appear to carry political overtones and stressed that personal liberty cannot be lightly curtailed.The case stems from remarks made by Khera regarding Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife, leading to charges of defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy.Earlier, Khera had approached the Telangana High Court for transit bail before moving the Gauhati High Court, which rejected his plea citing the need for custodial interrogation. Challenging that decision, Khera moved the Supreme Court, which has now granted him protection from arrest.The matter remains under investigation.