New Delhi: Swatantra Bhardwaj, the accused arrested in Delhi's famous Jantar Mantar assault and objectionable statements case, has got a big relief from Patiala House Court. After considering the seriousness and legal aspects of the case, the court has granted interim bail of three weeks to the accused. This controversial incident that took place during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest and the subsequent podcast video that went viral on social media had created a political and social storm across the country.
Court's decision and serious sections registered
The bench of Additional Sessions Judge Saurav Pratap Singh Lalar of Patiala House Court, after a detailed hearing of the case, issued this order to provide relief to Swatantra Bhardwaj.
Extremely stringent sections like SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and Child Protection from Sexual Offenses Act have been imposed against the accused for assaulting the father of a minor at Jantar Mantar and making objectionable comments.
Jantar Mantar assault case
The lower court had sent Swatantra Bhardwaj to Tihar jail in judicial custody for 14 days, after which his lawyers had also moved the Delhi High Court. A Habeas Corpus petition was also filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the legality of Swatantra Bhardwaj's arrest. Recognizing the importance of this petition, the High Court had accepted the demand for immediate hearing. This legal petition is mainly filed in a situation when a person is suspected of being detained illegally by the police or administration, so that the legal status of his arrest and detention can be transparently examined before the court.
Background of arrest and controversy from Bulandshahr
The entire controversy started during a protest at Jantar Mantar, where the situation worsened after a podcast video surfaced. There was a huge uproar by various political parties and CJP workers when the video became public. After this, on the written complaint of the father of the victim minor girl, the police registered a case under the Indian Justice Code (BNS), POCSO Act and Information Technology (IT) Act. Based on investigation, Delhi Police arrested Swatantra Bhardwaj on September 5 from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. After his arrest, he was produced in the court through video conferencing, from where he has now got interim relief of 3 weeks.