SC gives bail to Bibhav Kumar in Maliwal assault case

SC has granted bail to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar in the Swati Maliwal assault case.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan noted that Kumar has been in custody for more than 100 days and the trial was likely to take some time as more than 51 witnesses are to be examined.

SC observed that Kumar cannot be kept in jail for over 100 days when "injuries are simple". Going through the medical report of Maliwal, the bench verbally told the counsel for Delhi Police: "You have to balance both and not oppose bail here."


Delhi Police counsel strongly opposed Kumar's bail plea arguing that more witnesses should be examined first before the trial court. However, the bench observed that it would put in place remedial measures to ensure witnesses are not influenced.

"Till conclusion of trial, we are satisfied that interim protection can be granted along with conditions to prevent influencing witnesses or evidence," the bench said on Monday.