Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj granted bail in Jantar Mantar assault case by Delhi court

A Delhi court on Tuesday granted regular bail to self-styled right-wing influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj after his three-week interim bail expired.

The Incident And Charges

Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler of Patiala House Courts issued the order in the case stemming from a June 23 protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest was organized by the Cockroach Janata Party over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. According to the original FIR, a 38-year-old man went to the protest with his daughter and recorded videos on his phone. Bhardwaj and two to three other identified persons questioned him about the recording, leading to an argument and a physical altercation.

Investigation And Court Observations

The complaint stated that the man was punched and hit on the head with a metal kada, causing head injuries that needed stitches. A medical checkup at RML Hospital described the injuries as simple in nature. Police initially booked Bhardwaj under sections for voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint. A supplementary statement on September 4 added provisions of the SC/ST Act and criminal intimidation after a viral podcast where Bhardwaj allegedly boasted about the attack and claimed political connections protected him. The court noted that the allegation of caste-based slurs came nearly 10 weeks late, though delay alone did not make it false. The judge also pointed out investigation gaps like missing forensic video exams and incomplete CCTV data, while directing police to probe threats sent to the complainant and his minor daughter.

Bail Conditions

The court barred Bhardwaj from contacting the complainant, his family, or witnesses. It also prohibited him from making public statements, podcasts, videos, or social media posts about the case.

Context

Courts routinely grant regular bail during ongoing criminal proceedings once interim bail periods end, provided accused persons meet specific judicial conditions and bond requirements. Such bail orders do not clear an accused of the underlying charges, meaning the trial process continues in court as police complete their investigation.