The Supreme Court, on Monday, has granted bail to Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the case of assault on Swati Maliwal. A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan ordered that Kumar shall not be reinstated as personal assistant to Mr Kejriwal or assigned any official assignment in the Office of Chief Minister.
The top court also restrained Kumar from entering the chief minister's residence till all witnesses have been examined. Kumar allegedly assaulted Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP, on May 13 at Kejriwal's official residence.
An FIR was registered against Kumar on 16 May under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, relating to criminal intimidation, assault or using criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe and attempt to commit culpable homicide among others. He was arrested on 18 May.
While denying him bail, the high court had said the accused enjoys "considerable influence" and no ground has been made out to grant him the relief. It cannot be ruled out that witnesses may be influenced or evidence tampered with in case the petitioner is released on bail, it had said.
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