Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police on the bail plea filed by Bibhav Kumar, an aide of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Mr. Kumar was arrested in May following allegations of assault by AAP MP Swati Maliwal inside Mr. Kejriwal’s residence.
The next hearing is scheduled for August 7. Previously, both the Delhi High Court and a trial court had denied Mr. Kumar bail. He remains in judicial custody until July 16 and faces multiple charges, including criminal intimidation, assault with intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide. He is also charged with “disappearing evidence and giving false information.”
During the brief hearing, the court remarked, “We normally grant bail… we grant bail to murderers and killers.” However, the bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan, expressed concern, noting, “Look at the FIR. She (Ms. Maliwal) was crying (during the assault)” and seemed unconvinced by arguments that Mr. Kumar would not influence witnesses if granted bail.
The court also questioned the presence of witnesses during the alleged incident at the Chief Minister’s home, stating, “If this kind of person can’t influence, who can? Was anyone in the drawing room to speak against him… he doesn’t seem ashamed, we think.” The court referred to Mr. Kumar as a “goon” in a particularly strong observation.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Mr. Kumar, questioned the delay in Ms. Maliwal filing her complaint. He noted that although the incident occurred on May 13, the FIR was lodged on May 16. “The story in the FIR is strange. She went to the police station on the first day but came back without filing a complaint. Three days later, the FIR was lodged with injuries,” Mr. Singhvi argued.
Ms. Maliwal’s complaint detailed the assault, stating she was hit in the chest, stomach, and pelvic areas and was “absolutely shocked and was screaming for help.” She added, “In order to protect myself, I pushed him away with my legs. At that time, he pounced on me, brutally dragged, and deliberately pulled my shirt up.”
The court pointed out that Ms. Maliwal called the police helpline (112) immediately after the incident, indicating the seriousness of her claims. Delhi Police confirmed the call but noted the caller did not reveal their identity.
The court also addressed claims that Ms. Maliwal had trespassed on Mr. Kejriwal’s residence, questioning, “Is it a private residence or office of the Chief Minister?” Ms. Maliwal has maintained she had an appointment with the Chief Minister that day.
Mr. Singhvi objected to the court “treating the FIR as gospel,” but the court emphasized it is interested only in due processes. “We are not bothered by your internal and other politics,” the court stated.
Bibhav Kumar has denied all allegations, with the AAP claiming the charges are part of a “conspiracy” orchestrated by their main rival, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Last month, Ms. Maliwal claimed there would be threats to her and her family if Mr. Kumar were released from jail.
