The Delhi High Court reserved its verdict on Wednesday regarding the bail plea of Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kumar is accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on May 13 at the chief minister’s official residence.
The court will deliver its verdict on July 12, 2024.
Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta reserved the verdict on Kumar’s bail plea after hearing arguments from his counsel and from the lawyers representing the Delhi Police and Maliwal.
“Order reserved. Keep for order on Friday,” the judge stated.
Senior counsel for the police opposed the bail plea, stating that the investigation is ongoing and a charge sheet would be filed on or before July 16. “On or before July 16, we will file the charge sheet. We are in the midst of the investigation,” said senior advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the police.
Swati Maliwal was also present in court and reported that she has been subjected to threats, trolling, and victim shaming since the incident. “Not only was I brutally assaulted, but my entire life’s work has been taken away,” she said.
Kumar’s senior lawyer argued that his custody was no longer necessary as the investigation was complete. “He has entered the 54th day in custody. All necessary investigation is complete. This amounts to pre-trial punishment,” said the lawyer.
It was also argued that there was no apparent reason for the chief minister’s political secretary to assault a member of Parliament. “It is highly unimaginable that without any cause, the political secretary would choose to beat her up… (the reason behind the FIR) that I can think of is a question of ego,” he said.
Bibhav Kumar, currently in judicial custody, allegedly assaulted Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal’s official residence. He was arrested on May 18. An FIR was registered against Kumar on May 16 under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.
