A Delhi court allowed Bibhav Kumar, aide to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to travel to Sri Lanka, stating that the accused has “not only the right but also duty towards his family” for a vacation.
New Delhi: A Delhi court has granted permission for Bibhav Kumar, a aide to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and accused of assaulting Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal, to travel abroad for a family vacation, stating he does not pose a flight risk.
Additional Sessions Judge Bhupinder Singh, who was considering Kumar’s request to visit Sri Lanka from August 13 to 22, noted that the “accused has not only the right but also duty towards his family for taking them for a family vacation.”
Read Also: Delhi Court Permits AAP MP Swati Maliwal’s Travel to U.S. Amid Ongoing Investigation
In an order dated July 7, the court remarked,
“No such conduct of the accused has been brought to the notice of the court, since he was released on bail that may dissuade this court to consider the prayer made by the accused to travel abroad.”
The judge pointed out that Kumar had previously received a no-objection certificate to renew his passport, and the prosecution did not contest this decision or claim that he was a flight risk.
The judge stated,
“There may not be necessary/emergency requirement, as has been contended in the reply filed by the additional deputy commissioner of police, North,”
He added,
“I find no reasons as to why the application should not be allowed, more so, when the next date of hearing is much later than the intended dates of travel,”
Read Also: BREAKING | NCW Summons Kejriwal’s Ex-PS Over Assault Allegations by Swati Maliwal
The judge set certain conditions for Kumar, including a fixed deposit receipt of five lakh and a requirement to inform the court of his return to India within 72 hours, as well as prohibiting any extension of his stay abroad.
Kumar allegedly assaulted Maliwal on May 13 of last year at Kejriwal’s former official residence. An FIR was filed against him on May 16 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to criminal intimidation, assault or using criminal force on a woman with the intent to disrobe, and attempt to commit culpable homicide.
He was arrested on May 18 and granted bail by the Supreme Court in September of the same year.