The Supreme Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s PA Bibhav Kumar. Bibhav Kumar was arrested on charges of alleged attack on Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. After this case, there was political uproar, and CM Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party came under the target of opposition parties.
Bibhav Kumar was taken into custody earlier this year. Swati Maliwal had accused Bibhav Kumar of assault. She had claimed that she was assaulted and abused in the CM House. Later, Swati Maliwal complained about the matter to the Delhi Police and lodged an FIR. Delhi Police had taken Bibhav Kumar into custody for questioning in the case.
Also read: ‘Bibhav Kumar is not cooperating in the investigation, can influence witnesses’, Delhi Police told SC
Order to stay away from CM’s office
The court has ordered Bibhav to stay away from the CM’s office. Bibhav Kumar has been ordered that until the testimony of important and sensitive witnesses is completed, he cannot enter the Chief Minister’s office. Apart from this, he will not make any comment about the trial of the case on any public platform.
The bench clarified that these conditions have been put only to ensure the safety of the witnesses and their testimony can be done without any pressure. The trial court will try to complete the testimony of important witnesses within three weeks.
Lawyer Singhvi raised objection
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi has objected to the Supreme Court’s order. Singhvi said, “I agree that Bibhav Kumar will not make public comments about the case, but he should not be banned from staying outside the Chief Minister’s office. He will not hold any post there.” He asked the court to set a time limit on this ban.
Also read: SC seeks Delhi Police’s response on Bibhav’s bail plea in Swati Maliwal assault case
‘Conditions imposed to protect witnesses’
The Supreme Court bench stressed that these conditions are necessary to protect witnesses and ensure a fair trial. The Supreme Court also said that an accused cannot be considered a criminal until proven guilty by the court.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)