Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal's Aide Bibhav Kumar

The Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. Kumar had been in custody for 100 days. The court acknowledged the injuries were minor and imposed conditions on Kumar, including not entering the Chief Minister's residence.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal. Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted Kumar's 100 days in custody and the filing of the chargesheet.

The court considered the prosecution's proposal of over 51 witnesses, indicating a prolonged trial. "Petitioner is in custody for 100 days. Chargesheet filed. Injuries are simple. It's a case for bail, you should not oppose. You can't keep a person in jail in such case," stated the apex court to ASG SV Raju, representing Delhi police, who opposed the bail.

The bench urged the trial court to prioritize the examination of key witnesses within three months and imposed conditions on Kumar, barring him from the Chief Minister's residence and making public comments on the case.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that Maliwal's injuries were minor and questioned the applicability of Section 308 of the Indian Penal Code. ASG Raju contended that bail should be delayed until private witnesses are examined. Kumar had challenged a Delhi High Court order denying him bail.

The High Court, which had previously denied Kumar's bail on July 12, cited his influence and potential to interfere with witnesses. Earlier, Kumar had moved for bail following his arrest on May 16 under multiple Indian Penal Code provisions, including assault and attempted culpable homicide.

The Delhi Police opposed Kumar's bail, fearing influence over the investigation. The apex court's ruling now grants Kumar temporary relief under specific conditions. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)