Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks of interim bail by Delhi’s Patiala House Court in a case linked to an alleged assault during a protest at Jantar Mantar, according to a report by Live Hindustan – NCR. The court granted relief against a bail bond and surety of Rs 50,000 each.
The court had reserved its order on Bhardwaj’s bail plea after arguments were heard on Monday. He had been arrested on 4 September in Bulandshahr and was sent to judicial custody on 7 September. His judicial custody had subsequently been extended until 21 September.
The case relates to allegations involving an alleged attack on the father of a participant during a protest. The accused faces charges under various provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, according to the report.
During the hearing, Bhardwaj’s lawyer argued that the accused had initially been called for questioning and was allowed to leave after appearing before police. The lawyer said an FIR had been registered on 23 June and that a notice to appear for questioning was issued on 27 June. Bhardwaj appeared before investigators on 29 June, the lawyer said.
The defence claimed that Bhardwaj was arrested on 4 September after what it described as political developments, including a protest by the Campaign for Judicial Protection outside a police station. The lawyer also alleged that the complainant had attacked Bhardwaj during the protest and referred to videos circulating on social media. The court reportedly viewed video clips during the hearing.
The judge also questioned Delhi Police about whether Bhardwaj had used a caste-related slur during the incident. Police reportedly told the court that the initial complaint did not mention such an allegation, while a later statement included it. The report said the SC/ST Act provisions were added on that basis.
The complainant’s lawyer opposed the bail plea and argued that there was no legal defect in the arrest. The prosecution’s case includes charges under the SC/ST Act and the POCSO Act, among other provisions. The allegations remain subject to proceedings before the court, and the interim bail order does not determine guilt or innocence.
The case follows a protest outside Delhi’s Parliament Street police station in which the Campaign for Judicial Protection had demanded Bhardwaj’s arrest over the June incident. After his arrest, he was produced before the court, which granted Delhi Police one day of custodial remand before sending him to judicial custody. The court’s interim bail order provides temporary relief while the proceedings continue.
