The Delhi High Court has rejected the bail plea of Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary, Bibhav Kumar, in the Swati Maliwal case. The court stated that there is a risk of influencing witnesses and tampering with evidence, and no grounds have been established for his bail.
Bibhav Kumar had filed a bail application in the High Court, challenging his arrest. The hearing took place on Wednesday, July 10, where the court listened to both sides.
The court reserved its decision and announced that it would deliver the verdict on Friday, July 12. Now, the court has dismissed his bail plea.
During the hearing in the High Court on July 10, Swati Maliwal's lawyer mentioned that two clips were released a few days after the FIR was filed.
In one of the clips, Swati was seen arguing with a police officer. The court asked, "How can you say that the clip has been tampered with?"
In response, Maliwal's lawyer stated that some indications in the clip suggest alterations. Over a dozen party officials came forward in support of her and blamed the complainant.
The lawyer also argued about the threats being sent to Swati Maliwal. The court noted that so far, the threats have not been traced to the petitioner, and it is understood that this matter is under investigation.
Bibhav Kumar has requested the court to declare his arrest illegal in his petition. He claimed that he was arrested with a "hidden motive" while his anticipatory bail application was pending in the lower court.
Bibhav termed this as a violation of his fundamental rights as well as the law. Meanwhile, another bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta on Monday granted time to Swati Maliwal’s lawyer to file a response to Bibhav Kumar’s bail application and adjourned the hearing of the case.