Supreme Court sharply criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s aide, Bibhav Kumar, who is accused of assaulting AAP MP Swati Maliwal earlier this year. The court questioned, "Is this kind of goon supposed to work in the CM’s residence?" as it reviewed the case.
A bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan adjourned Kumar’s bail plea to the following Wednesday. The justices expressed their astonishment at the details of the incident as documented by the Delhi High Court. Kumar has appealed against the July 12 decision of the Delhi High Court, which had refused him bail, and he argues that the charges against him are unfounded. Kumar also contends that his continued detention is unnecessary since the investigation has concluded. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi government regarding his petition.
The bench inquired of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, "Is the CM’s residence a private bungalow? Is this kind of ‘goon’ supposed to work there?" Singhvi responded that the injuries were minor and noted that the FIR was filed three days after the incident, which occurred on May 13.
Further expressing their disapproval, the bench questioned the significance of Maliwal, AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP, calling the police helpline during the assault. “Every day we grant bail to contract killers, murderers, robbers, but the question is what kind of incident this is,” the bench remarked, highlighting their concern over the nature of the event.
The bench criticized Kumar’s actions, stating, “He (Bibhav Kumar) acted as if some ‘goon’ had entered the official residence of the CM.” They expressed shock, saying, “Is this a way to deal with a young lady? He (Bibhav Kumar) assaulted her even after she described her physical conditions.”
Kumar, who serves as a political secretary to Kejriwal, has been in judicial custody for the past 75 days, according to Singhvi. He allegedly assaulted Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal’s official residence. An FIR was filed against him on May 16 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those for criminal intimidation, assault with the intent to disrobe, and attempted culpable homicide. Kumar was arrested on May 18.
The Delhi High Court had denied him bail, citing his “considerable influence” and the potential risk of witness tampering or evidence interference if released.
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