New Delhi, April 15 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a blow to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera by staying a Telangana High Court ruling that had provided him with one-week transit anticipatory bail. The case stems from accusations Khera made against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A judicial bench consisting of Justices JK Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar issued formal notices to Khera and other parties following a challenge by the Assam government against the 10 April high court order. The apex court clarified that if Khera seeks anticipatory bail from a court in Assam, its current stay should not negatively influence that future decision.

"Considering all the aspects, issue notice. I...