‘Bail is not a trophy’: Delhi court grants 3-week interim bail to ‘cracked skull’ bragging Swatantra Bharadwaj in CJP-backed arrest case

A Delhi court granted three weeks of interim bail to Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj on Tuesday in connection with the alleged assault on a student activist’s father during a Jantar Mantar protest, along with other related charges.

The court specified that Bhardwaj’s plea for regular bail will only be considered after monitoring his behavior over the next three weeks.

"Bail is an expression of the court's trust, and it is not a trophy to be displayed," remarked the sessions judge.


Also read: Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj sent to 14-day judicial custody in CJP protester assault case

Referencing a news report, the judge observed that public spectacles, such as holding a victory procession after getting bail in a grave matter, or organizing similar online displays, send the wrong message to society, harm law and order, and undermine public faith in the justice system.

"Weighing all the circumstances, the court takes into account that the applicant (Bhardwaj) has been in custody for a little over ten days, a period that should have afforded him time for reflection," the judge stated.

The court noted that Bhardwaj's custodial interrogation had concluded and that the alleged offenses carry a maximum sentence of seven years. Addressing safety concerns regarding the complainant and his minor daughter, the court noted that their protection could be managed through strict bail terms.

"The duty to protect the victim and the duty under Article 21 (of the Constitution) to safeguard personal liberty are best reconciled by releasing the applicant on interim bail for three weeks on stringent conditions," the court stated.

"His conduct during that period will be observed and his prayer for regular bail will then be considered in its light. Whatever is to be decided about the incident of June 23, 2026, must be decided in a court of law, on evidence, and not in public or on social media," the court added.

Interim bail was granted upon execution of a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a surety of the same amount, alongside several mandatory conditions.

Also read: "Government must wake up from slumber": Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leaders slam Delhi authorities over Satya Niketan building collapse

The court prohibited Bhardwaj from posting, publishing, or discussing the case, his defense, or the complainant’s family on any media or social media platforms. He is also barred from contacting the complainant, the daughter, or any witnesses, tampering with evidence, or traveling abroad without court permission. Additionally, he must cooperate with the ongoing investigation, provide his address and phone details, and surrender once the interim bail period ends.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 6, while Tuesday's proceedings were conducted in camera.

Bhardwaj was previously remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on September 7. He had been detained in Bulandshahr on September 4, shortly after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) staged a demonstration outside the Parliament Street police station demanding his arrest.

The police action stemmed from public backlash over an interview in which Bhardwaj claimed he had "cracked the skull" of the student activist's father at the June 23 protest and evaded arrest due to political connections.

Following his detention, Bhardwaj was presented at a judge's residence the next day, where Delhi Police received approval for a one-day custodial interrogation. A magisterial court subsequently placed him in judicial custody for one day, after which the current court extended his judicial custody until September 21.