Delhi High Court Rejects Swatantra Bhardwaj's Plea Against Arrest In CJP Protester Assault Case - Live Law
The Delhi High Court rejected Swatantra Bhardwaj’s plea for bail, remanding him to 14 days of judicial custody in the assault case linked to a protest outside the Supreme Court. The decision highlights the court’s stance that the arrest was justified based on the evidence presented, despite the influencer’s claims of political victimisation.
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The Delhi High Court rejected Swatantra Bhardwaj’s plea for bail, remanding him to 14 days of judicial custody in the assault case linked to a protest outside the Supreme Court. The decision highlights the court’s stance that the arrest was justified based on the evidence presented, despite the influencer’s claims of political victimisation.
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**Delhi High Court Rejects Swatantra Bhardwaj’s Plea Against Arrest in CJP Protester Assault Case**
The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed the petition filed by Hindutva‑influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj seeking relief from his arrest in the “CJP protester assault” matter. Bhardwaj, who was taken into custody after police alleged he assaulted a protester during a demonstration outside the Supreme Court in August, had argued that his detention was unwarranted and that the police had overstepped their authority by arresting him in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The bench, comprising Justice M. R. Kumar and Justice S. B. Singh, held that the prosecution’s case was prima facie strong and that the arrest, made under sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to assault and rioting, was lawful.
During the hearing, Bhardwaj’s counsel contended that the allegations were politically motivated and that the influencer’s right to free speech and peaceful protest was being curtailed. The court, however, noted that the evidence presented—including video footage, eyewitness statements, and a First Information Report—indicated a direct involvement of the accused in a physical altercation that endangered the safety of a protester. Accordingly, the judges refused to grant bail and ordered Bhardwaj to remain in judicial custody for a period of 14 days, pending further investigation and trial.
The verdict has drawn mixed reactions. Bhardwaj, via his social media channels, decried the decision, stating, “Delhi Police had the audacity to go to Bulandshahr and arrest me,” and vowed to appeal the order. Legal analysts suggest the ruling underscores the judiciary’s willingness to enforce law‑and‑order considerations over claims of political persecution, while civil‑rights observers warn that high‑profile arrests of activists could have a chilling effect on dissent. The case is set to be heard again on September 7, when the court will consider further applications for bail and examine the merits of the charges in detail.
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