'Bibhav Kumar not ashamed': SC pulls up Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly disapproved of the conduct of Bibhav Kumar, the aide of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accused of assaulting AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal. A three judge bench headed by Justice Surya Kant expressed shock at Kumar's conduct and verbally observed that a "goon" had entered the residence and allegedly assaulted Maliwal.

Issuing a notice tp Delhi Police on his bail plea, the top court also orally remarked "we grant bail to murderers and killers. But here, look at the FIR. She is crying because of her physical condition". The bench went on to verbally remark: "If this kind of person can't influence, who can? Was anyone in the drawing room (of the chief minister's home where the alleged assault began) to speak against him... he doesn't seem ashamed, we think." Appearing on behalf of Kumar, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi questioned the delay in filing of complaint by Maliwal.

Kumar, who was arrested by the Delhi Police on May 18, has moved the SC against an order of the Delhi High Court vide which it rejected his bail plea. Earlier, Kumar's bail plea was turned down by the lower court.


The incident is said to have occurred on May 13 at Kejriwal's official residence. Maliwal, an Aam Aadmi Party leader, tried to meet Kejriwal while the CM was out on interim bail in the Delhi excise policy case. As per the criminal complaint, Kumar allegedly hit Maliwal in her chest, stomach and pelvic area. Maliwal also claimed that she was threatened with dire consequences if she filed a complaint.

The Delhi High Court, on July 12, turned down Kumar's interim bail holding that though Kumar happened to be only the personal secretary to the Chief Minister of Delhi, he would still wield considerable power and may influence witness

The bench has posted Kumar's plea for resumed hearing on August 7.