The
Supreme Court on Monday 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 directed that Kumar will not be
reinstated as a personal assistant to Kejriwal or given any official assignment
in the chief minister's office.
The
top court also restrained Kumar from entering the chief minister's residence
till all witnesses have been examined.
Kumar
allegedly assaulted Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP, on May 13 at Kejriwal's official
residence.
An
FIR was registered against Kumar on May 16 under various provisions of the
Indian Penal Code, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault or
using criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to
commit culpable homicide. He was arrested on May 18.
While denying him bail, the high court had said the
accused enjoys "considerable influence" and no ground has been made
out to grant him the relief. It cannot be ruled out that witnesses may be
influenced or evidence tampered with in case the petitioner is released on
bail, it had said.