New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, was granted bail by the Supreme Court on Monday.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan was hearing Kumar's plea seeking bail and also challenging his arrest in the case.
The top court also restrained Mr Kumar from entering the chief minister's residence till all witnesses have been examined. Arvind Kejriwal remains in judicial custody in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
Justice Justice Bhuyan
During the hearing, Justice Bhuyan noted that Bibhav Kumar had been in judicial custody for 100 days and chargesheet had been filed.
"Injuries (to Maliwal) are simple. It's a case for bail. You should not oppose. You can't keep a person in jail in such a case," Justice Bhuyan said.
Additional Solicitor General
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, said, "There are certain important witnesses, who are under his (Bibhav) influence. Let them be examined. I won't oppose then."
"That way, we can't grant bail to any person," Justice Bhuyan replied, adding that the apprehension was "far-fatched".
Swati Maliwal had accused Bibhav Kumar of assaulting her at the Chief Minister's residence on May 13. Her medical report, released by AIIMS, revealed bruises on her face and leg.
Bibhav Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18 after a case was registered against him under Sections 308, 341, 354B, 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Last month, a Delhi court extended the judicial custody of Kumar till September 13. (with Agency inputs)
