Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Delhi Court Grants Three-Week Interim Bail to Bhardwaj
A Delhi court temporarily released Swatantra Bhardwaj from custody for three weeks.
He is accused of assaulting the father of a student activist during a protest.
Bhardwaj had been in custody for a little more than ten days.
The court said police questioning was finished.
It also said the complainant and his daughter needed protection.
Bhardwaj must follow strict rules while he is free.
He cannot discuss the case online or contact the complainant, witnesses, or the family.
After three weeks, the court will decide whether to grant him regular bail.
A Delhi sessions court granted Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj three weeks of interim bail.
The case concerns an alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a June 23 protest at Jantar Mantar.
The court said Bhardwaj’s custodial interrogation was complete and the alleged offences carry maximum sentences of up to seven years.
Bhardwaj must avoid discussing the case publicly, contact with the complainant or witnesses, evidence tampering, and international travel without permission.
His conduct will be reviewed before the court decides his regular bail plea; the matter is listed for October 6.
- Who
- Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj and the Delhi court; the complainant is the father of a student activist.
- What
- The court granted Bhardwaj three weeks of interim bail while postponing a decision on regular bail.
- When
- The order was reported on September 15; further proceedings are scheduled for October 6. The alleged incident occurred on June 23, 2026.
- Where
- The alleged assault occurred during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi; Bhardwaj was detained in Bulandshahr.
- Why
- The court said custodial interrogation was complete and sought to balance Bhardwaj’s personal liberty with the safety of the complainant and his minor daughter.
Personal Liberty
Victim Protection and Public Order
Basis for interim release
Personal Liberty
The court said Bhardwaj’s custodial interrogation was complete, he had spent more than ten days in custody, and the alleged offences carry maximum sentences of up to seven years.
Victim Protection and Public Order
The court said the complainant and his minor daughter required protection, which it sought to provide through strict bail conditions.
Public conduct
Personal Liberty
Bhardwaj was released temporarily, subject to restrictions and later review of his conduct.
Victim Protection and Public Order
The judge warned that public victory displays or social-media celebrations after bail could undermine public confidence in the justice system and affect law and order.
- Bail period
- Three weeks of interim bail
- Bond
- Personal bond of Rs 50,000 with a surety of the same amount
- Case status
- Regular bail will be considered after observing Bhardwaj’s conduct
- Key restrictions
- No public or social-media discussion of the case, defence, or complainant’s family
- Contact restrictions
- No contact with the complainant, his daughter, or witnesses
- Next hearing
- October 6
- Custody history
- Bhardwaj was detained on September 4 and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on September 7