The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected an anticipatory bail plea filed by Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with an FIR lodged in Assam over his alleged defamatory remarks against the wife of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.  A single-judge Bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia had reserved the final order on Tuesday following extensive arguments from both sides. During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Khera along with advocate Kamal Narayan Choudhury, argued that the case was politically motivated and amounted to vendetta. It was further contended that the allegations lacked substantive merit and were aimed at silencing a political opponent. Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia, representing the state police, submitted that the case involved serious offences, including forgery and cheating. He argued that the investigation had revealed prima facie material indicating deliberate wrongdoing, warranting denial of anticipatory bail and custodial interrogation. Khera moved the Guwahati High Court after the Supreme Court had declined to grant Khera protection from arrest and refused to extend the duration of …