Swati Maliwal assault case: Delhi High Court reserves order on bail plea by CM's aide Bibhav Kumar

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it will on July 12 pronounce order on whether to grant bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar in the case pertaining to alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal.

Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta reserved verdict on the bail plea moved by Kumar in relation to the case after hearing his counsel as well as the lawyers appearing for the Delhi Police and Maliwal.

"Order reserved. Keep for order on Friday," the judge said.

Senior counsel for the police opposed the bail plea, saying investigation is going on and a charge sheet would be filed on or before July 16.

"On or before July 16, we will file the charge sheet. We are in the midst of investigation," said senior advocate Sanjay Jain representing the police.

Maliwal was also present in the court and said she has been subjected to threats, trolling and victim shaming since the incident.

"Not only was I brutally assaulted, my entire life's work has been taken away," she said.

Kumar's senior lawyer argued that his custody was no longer required as the probe was over.

"He has entered day 54th in custody. All necessary investigation is complete. This amounts to pe-trial punishment," said the lawyer.

It was also contended that there was no reason as to why the chief minister's political secretary would assault a member of Parliament.

"It is highly unimaginable that without any cause, the political secretary will choose to beat her up... (the reason behind the FIR) that I can manage to think is that it is a question of ego," he said.

Kumar, presently in judicial custody, allegedly assaulted Maliwal on May 13 at Kejriwal's official residence. He was arrested on May 18.

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 criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.