New Delhi: The Supreme Court granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been embroiled in a legal battle over the alleged assault of Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Monday. The courts decision, however, comes with stringent conditions that restrict Kumar from resuming his role as Kejriwals personal secretary or entering the Chief Ministers residence until key witnesses in the case have been thoroughly examined.Court-imposed restrictionsThe apex court imposed a gag order on Bibhav Kumar, barring him from making any public statements about the case until vulnerable witnesses have been questioned. The Supreme Court directed the trial court to expedite the examination of these witnesses, ideally within a three-week timeframe and prohibited Kumar from assuming any official position during this period.Background of the caseBibhav Kumar was arrested by Delhi Police on May 18 from Arvind Kejriwals residence following a complaint lodged by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Maliwal alleged that Kumar had physically assaulted her during a visit to the Chief Ministers residence on May 13. She claimed that Kumar slapped her 7-8 times, kicked her chest and pelvis, and deliberately pulled up her shirt without any provocation.Supreme Court grants bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals aide Bibhav Kumar, accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati MaliwalSupreme Court notes that Kumar is in custody for 100 days and chargesheet has already been filed in the case. pic.twitter.com/bJZzIrbge3— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024Bibhav Kumars defenseIn his defense, Bibhav Kumar filed an email complaint with Delhi Police on May 17, a day before his arrest, accusing Swati Maliwal of forcefully and unauthorisedly entering the Chief Ministers residence. Kumar alleged that Maliwal verbally abused and assaulted him and threatened to falsely implicate him in criminal cases when he tried to prevent her from accessing the main building of the residence.The Delhi Police investigation included annexing Kumars mobile phone, SIM card, and the DVR/NVR of CCTV footage from the CMs residence as evidence. On July 30, the court acknowledged the chargesheet filed by Delhi Police, which comprised 500 pages and included testimonies from 100 people, with 50 individuals listed as witnesses.Judicial proceedingsEarlier, on August 24, a Delhi court extended Kumars judicial custody until September 13, pending further investigation. The Supreme Courts decision to grant bail marks a critical juncture in this high-profile case, but with strict conditions that aim to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
