Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera was given interim bail hours after his dramatic arrest from the Delhi airport today, after being taken off a flight to Chhattisgarh capital Raipur over an alleged insult to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Khera was arrested over his controversial comments at a press conference recently. He had flubbed PM Modi's name while demanding a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani-Hindenburg row.
Here are the Highlights on Congress Leader Pawan Khera's Arrest:
After walking out of the Dwarka court, Pawan Khera said "it's a win of the judiciary, and thanks to them for upholding my rights."
On the comments made against PM, Mr Khera said "whether it was a slip of tongue or not, I won't comment on it but it's an unsaid emergency."
"Without any notice being served to me, I was deplaned as if I am a terrorist. This is not the only example of people's lives and liberties being curtailed. It can happen to anyone tomorrow," Mr Khera said.
This morning, Mr Khera was asked to get off a flight to Raipur, he was about to fly for a meeting of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
The Supreme Court has also sought response of Assam and Uttar Pradesh governments on clubbing of multiple FIRs against Mr Khera.
The Supreme Court says interim bail should be granted to Pawan Khera. The interim bail will be given in Delhi's Dwarka court.
"We are not pressing for quashing but there are multiple FIRs, we are seeking an interim relief," Pawan Khera's lawyer said.
Congress leader AM Singhvi, representing arrested party leader Pawan Khera, told the Supreme Court today that it was a play of words and personally should have been avoided. It was a "slip of tongue", said Mr Singhvi, adding that he made a mistake and has apologised.
We have requested Delhi police to arrest him (Pawan Khera). We will bring him to Assam after taking permission from a local court: Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan, IGP L&O & Spox of Assam police to ANI
- ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2023
Congress leader Pawan Khera was arrested by Assam cops at the Delhi airport today. This was after he was deplaned from a flight to Chhattisgarh capital Raipur. Assam Police have shown documents and taken Mr Khera into custody. Mr Khera and party colleague Randeep Surjewala are now in the airport lounge. Other Congress leaders have left on the bus to catch a flight. Assam police has asked Delhi police for assistance to facilitate the arrest and transit remand is expected to be taken for Pawan Khera before he is taken to Assam. Indigo has made arrangements for the passengers to board another aircraft as the flight was delayed.
"Pawan Khera has not done any crime for which he should be deplaned," said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
मुझे कहा गया कि आपके सामान को लेकर कुछ समस्या है, जबकि मेरे पास केवल एक हैंडबैग है।
- Congress (@INCIndia) February 23, 2023
जब फ्लाइट से नीचे आया तो बताया गया कि आप नहीं जा सकते हैं। फिर कहा गया- आपसे DCP मिलेंगे।
मैं काफी देर से इंतजार कर रहा हूं। नियम, कानून और कारणों का कुछ अता-पता नहीं है।
: @Pawankhera जी pic.twitter.com/637WUlBDpJ
Modi govt is acting like a bunch of goons by deplaning @Pawankhera ji from the Delhi-Raipur flight and preventing him from joining the AICC Plenary.
- K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) February 23, 2023
Using a flimsy FIR to restrict his movement & silence him is a shameful, unacceptable act. The entire party stands with Pawan ji. pic.twitter.com/mKVeuRGnfR
An IndiGo Airlines official said there were instructions not to allow Pawan Khera on the flight because of a case against him. The BJP has demanded Mr Khera's arrest over allegations that he insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A BJP leader has filed a police complaint.
"I was told that there is an issue with my baggage, though I only had hand baggage. They told me you can't fly. Then they said the DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police) will meet you. I have been waiting for a long time. There is no sign of law and order," Pawan Khera said.