On Monday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kumar had been arrested for allegedly assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.
Court Proceedings
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan reviewed Kumar’s plea for bail and his challenge against the arrest. Justice Bhuyan pointed out that Kumar had been in judicial custody for 100 days and that a chargesheet had already been filed. He noted that Maliwal’s injuries were minor and argued that keeping Kumar in jail under these circumstances was unwarranted.
Arguments and Counterarguments
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Delhi Police, expressed concerns that key witnesses might still be under Kumar’s influence and requested that these witnesses be examined before bail is granted. Justice Bhuyan dismissed this concern as “far-fetched,” emphasizing that it should not impede the bail process.
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Background of the Case
Swati Maliwal accused Kumar of assaulting her at Kejriwal’s residence on May 13. Her medical report from AIIMS indicated bruises on her face and leg. Kumar was arrested on May 18, facing charges under Sections 308, 341, 354B, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Last month, a Delhi court extended Kumar’s judicial custody until September 13.
