The interim bail given to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, who was detained by Assam police at the Delhi airport after making a remark insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was extended by the Supreme Court on February 27 till March 3, 2023. Today, the case was brought before the court panel that consists of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Judge PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala. The court granted him temporary release on February 23 and had it in place until February 28, 2023.

On February 27, the State of Assam's Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, and the State of Uttar Pradesh's Additional Advocate General, Garima Prashad, requested additional time to submit their responses to the case.

Noting this, CJI DY Chandrachud pronounced the following order:

"List on Friday. Counter to be filed by State of Assam and UP. Ad interim protection granted to extend till next date of hearing."

Khera has been charged with violating Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code. 

The court had previously given him temporary relief and mandated that Khera be released on temporary bail upon appearance before the jurisdictional magistrate in Delhi until the next hearing date, February 28. 

On the writ suit filed by Khera seeking to consolidate the FIR, the Court also served notice on the States of UP and Assam, which had filed FIRs against him. The court had also taken note of Khera's attorney Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi's promise to apologise for the statement without reservation.

Case Title: Pawan Khera v. State of Assam And Ors. 
Citation: WP(Crl) No. 74/2023