The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on the bail plea of Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the Swati Maliwal assault case. The court, after hearing extensive arguments from all parties, including Swati Maliwal herself, scheduled July 12 for the pronouncement of its order.
During the proceedings, Swati Maliwal appeared in court and expressed her ordeal, alleging a brutal assault by Bibhav Kumar, followed by public support from the Chief Minister and malicious accusations from Delhi Ministers. She voiced concerns over her safety and the public disclosure of personal details, pleading for justice.
Opposing Bibhav Kumar's bail plea, Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the Delhi Police, emphasised the gravity of the allegations and the imminent filing of the chargesheet by July 16. He highlighted Kumar's influential status despite being dismissed from government service, suggesting potential tampering with evidence.
In defence, Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Bibhav Kumar, argued against the delay in filing the FIR and questioned the circumstances of the incident. He portrayed the case as a misuse of legal processes, claiming selective investigation favouring Swati Maliwal due to her political stature.
Bibhav Kumar's counsel, Rishikesh Kumar, addressed reporters after the hearing, underscoring that investigations are nearing completion, with Kumar having spent 54 days in custody.
The defence asserted the availability of all evidence and the recorded statement of the complainant, urging the court to consider Kumar's bail plea despite opposition fears of evidence tampering.
Earlier, Delhi's Tis Hazari Court had denied Bibhav Kumar's bail citing concerns about witness tampering and the ongoing investigation's initial stage. The court's decision echoed apprehensions voiced by Swati Maliwal regarding her safety and that of her family, should Kumar be released.
The case revolves around allegations that Bibhav Kumar assaulted Swati Maliwal, an AAP MP, prompting his arrest on May 18 from the Chief Minister's residence. The incident has drawn significant public and legal attention, underscoring issues of personal safety, political influence, and judicial process integrity.
The Delhi High Court's impending decision on Bibhav Kumar's bail plea remains pivotal, as it navigates the complex intersections of justice, security, and the rule of law in high-profile cases.
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