Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal's Aide in Swati Maliwal Assault Case

The Supreme Court granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, in the Swati Maliwal assault case. Kumar is barred from returning to his official role and entering the chief minister's residence until all witnesses are examined. He was arrested on May 18, following an FIR.

The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, in the Swati Maliwal assault case.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that Kumar would not be reinstated as a personal assistant to Kejriwal or assigned any official tasks within the chief minister's office.

The court further restricted Kumar from entering the chief minister's residence until all witnesses had been examined. The alleged assault on Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP, took place on May 13 at Kejriwal's official residence.

An FIR was filed against Kumar on May 16 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal intimidation and assault with intent to disrobe, along with an attempt to commit culpable homicide. Kumar was subsequently arrested on May 18.

The high court had earlier denied him bail, citing his considerable influence and potential risk of tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.

(With inputs from agencies.)