The Delhi High Court has deferred its decision on the bail plea of Bibhav Kumar, former PS to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently held in Tihar Jail. Bibhav Kumar faces charges related to the assault on Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP and former Delhi Women’s Commission Chairperson Swati Maliwal. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta postponed the verdict on Bibhav Kumar’s bail application after hearing arguments from his defense lawyer, as well as counsel representing the Delhi Police and Maliwal.
During the proceedings, the police strongly opposed granting bail, citing ongoing investigations and plans to file a chargesheet by July 16. Senior advocate Sanjay Jain, appearing for the police, assured the court of completing the investigation within the stipulated timeframe. Maliwal herself was present during the hearing, expressing concerns over alleged threats and attempts to tarnish her reputation since the incident.
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Bibhav Kumar, who has been in judicial custody since his arrest on May 18, argued through his lawyer that investigations were already concluded, questioning the necessity of his prolonged detention. The defense contended that Bibhav Kumar’s custody, now spanning 54 days, amounted to pre-trial punishment. The alleged assault on Maliwal reportedly took place at Kejriwal’s official residence on May 13.
