Regular Bail Granted in Assault Case
Delhi Court grants regular bail to Swatantra Bhardwaj in Jantar Mantar assault case.
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Key Points
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When granting interim bail, the court noted that Bhardwaj had spent just over 10 days in custody, custodial interrogation was complete and the offences carried a maximum sentence of seven years; it identified the safety of the complainant and his minor daughter as a key concern.
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The case began with an FIR for bailable offences. The complainant later made a supplementary statement alleging caste-based slurs against him and his minor daughter, after which police added provisions of the SC/ST Act and another BNS section, and Bhardwaj was arrested.
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A widely circulated interview reportedly featured Bhardwaj claiming he had “cracked the skull” of the complainant; police disputed the severity of that account, saying the man suffered a simple head injury during a scuffle.
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The court cited a Supreme Court decision involving a murder accused who held a public victory march after receiving bail, warning that public displays can erode confidence in the administration of justice and that bail “is not a trophy to be displayed.”
A Delhi court has granted regular bail to Swatantra Bhardwaj, a self-styled Hindutva influencer, in a case alleging he assaulted a Dalit man during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The Hindu reported that the Patiala House Court made the decision after Bhardwaj spent over 10 days in custody and completed custodial interrogation. The case carries a maximum sentence of seven years and involves allegations of both assault and caste-based slurs.
From Interim to Regular Bail
The court had previously granted Bhardwaj three weeks of interim bail under strict conditions. NDTV noted he was prohibited from discussing the case publicly, contacting the complainant, or reaching out to witnesses. The judge cited his conduct during the interim period as a factor in approving regular bail. A detailed order with final conditions was expected to follow the decision.
How Caste Charges Were Added to the Case
The case started as a simple assault complaint with bailable offences. The complainant later filed a supplementary statement alleging Bhardwaj and others used caste-based slurs against him and his minor daughter. The Print reported that police then added provisions of the SC/ST Act and another section of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. After these additions, Bhardwaj was arrested.
Disputed Accounts of the Assault's Severity
A widely circulated interview showed Bhardwaj claiming he had "cracked the skull" of the complainant. Police, however, disputed this account. New Indian Express reported that officers said the man suffered only a simple head injury during a scuffle. The competing versions highlight how sharply the two sides differ on what actually happened.
Court Warns Against Using Bail as a Trophy
The judge cited a Supreme Court ruling on a murder accused who held a public victory march after receiving bail. The court warned that public displays after bail undermine confidence in the justice system. Economic Times reported the judge stressed that bail "is not a trophy to be displayed." The warning suggests the court views how Bhardwaj conducts himself after release as part of its broader concern about maintaining public trust.
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