Delhi Court Sends Swatantra Bhardwaj to 14-Day Judicial Custody in Jantar Mantar Assault Case
A Delhi court has remanded social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with an alleged assault case linked to a protest held at Jantar Mantar. The order was passed by the Patiala House Court after the expiry of his earlier police and judicial remand, marking another significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Why Was Swatantra Bhardwaj Arrested?
The case stems from an alleged assault on the father of a minor protester during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar earlier this year. According to the Delhi Police, Bhardwaj was arrested from Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, after investigators expanded the probe into the incident. He had previously been granted one day of police custody before being produced again before the court.
The controversy intensified after a video interview circulated on social media in which Bhardwaj allegedly claimed responsibility for seriously injuring the victim. Those remarks triggered widespread public attention and renewed calls for legal action. Bhardwaj, however, has disputed the allegations and has stated that he acted in self-defence. The allegations remain under investigation, and no findings on guilt have been made by the court.
Court Proceedings
Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler ordered that Bhardwaj be sent to judicial custody for 14 days after hearing the matter at the Patiala House Courts. He is expected to be produced before the court again after the remand period for further proceedings.
Judicial custody means the accused will remain in jail under the supervision of judicial authorities while the investigation and court proceedings continue. It is different from police custody, where investigators can directly question the accused.
Additional Charges
As the investigation progressed, Delhi Police reportedly invoked additional legal provisions, including sections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Separate proceedings under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been reported in connection with allegations arising from the broader controversy. Authorities are continuing to examine the available evidence and determine whether any further charges are warranted.
Legal Challenge to Arrest
In a parallel development, Bhardwaj challenged his arrest before the Delhi High Court through a habeas corpus petition. The High Court declined to entertain the plea, observing that he had already been remanded to judicial custody by a competent court.
Final Verdict
The Delhi court's decision to remand Swatantra Bhardwaj to 14 days of judicial custody marks an important step in the legal process surrounding the Jantar Mantar assault case. While the allegations have generated significant public attention, the investigation is still ongoing, and the courts have not determined Bhardwaj's guilt. The coming hearings and the evidence presented during the investigation will play a crucial role in deciding the future course of the case. Readers should rely on verified court proceedings and official updates as the matter continues to unfold.
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