Goa, April 18 -- The Supreme Court of India on Friday declined to lift its stay on the Telangana High Court order granting transit bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, effectively leaving him vulnerable to arrest by Assam Police in connection with a case registered in Guwahati.

Khera faces legal proceedings over alleged remarks targeting Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar ruled that while no interim protection would be granted, Khera is free to immediately approach the Gauhati High Court for anticipatory bail. The apex court also directed that the Guwahati court decide the matter strictly on its merits, without being influenced by the present proceedings.

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