Delhi High Court Reviews Arrest of Kejriwal’s Aide Bibhav Kumar
New Delhi, India – On Monday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding a plea by Bibhav Kumar, a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, seeking to declare his arrest as illegal. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma stated that the plea is maintainable for hearing and scheduled a detailed hearing before the roaster bench.
Bibhav Kumar was arrested on May 18 in connection with an FIR filed by Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, alleging assault. Senior Advocate N Hariharan, representing Kumar, argued that Kumar’s arrest violated his fundamental rights and did not follow proper procedures. He claimed that Kumar was arrested while his anticipatory bail was being heard.
Senior Advocate Sanjay Jain, representing the Delhi Police, argued that the petition was not maintainable and that Kumar had skipped necessary legal steps. The trial court had previously dismissed Kumar’s bail plea, citing concerns about witness tampering and evidence destruction.
Kumar’s plea also seeks compensation for his alleged illegal arrest and departmental action against the officials involved. The court noted that the investigation is still in its early stages and that Kumar had not cooperated, including formatting his mobile phone and not providing the password.
The complainant, Swati Maliwal, a sitting MP of the Aam Aadmi Party, was medically examined, and her statement corroborated her allegations. The court emphasized that the investigation must continue without interference.
