Supreme Court Grants Bail to Delhi CM’s Aide in High-Profile Assault Case

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been in custody for over 100 days in the Swati Maliwal assault case. Despite prosecution concerns about witness influence and evidence tampering, the court imposed stringent conditions on Kumar's release.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the Swati Maliwal assault case. Kumar has been in custody for over 100 days.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the prosecution plans to examine more than 51 witnesses, which will delay the trial. The court reasoned that since the charge sheet is already filed, Kumar's release will not prejudice the investigation.

Additional Solicitor General S V Raju opposed the bail, citing potential influence on key witnesses and tampered evidence. However, Senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi argued that the assault was minor and the charges exaggerated. To address concerns of witness influence, the court imposed several conditions, including barring Kumar from being reinstated as a personal assistant or entering the CM's residence. Kumar is also prohibited from making public comments on the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)