Swatantra Bhardwaj has been released from Tihar Jail after a Delhi court granted him three weeks of interim bail in connection with an alleged assault case linked to a protest at Jantar Mantar. He walked out of the jail late Thursday after the required legal formalities and release order were completed.
The Delhi court granted interim bail on September 15. The case relates to an alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 23. Bhardwaj had been in judicial custody following his arrest earlier in September.
The court imposed several conditions along with the temporary bail. According to reports, Bhardwaj has been restricted from contacting the complainant, his daughter or witnesses and from posting or discussing the case, his defence or the complainant’s family on social media or other media platforms.
Bhardwaj’s release from Tihar has attracted attention because of his social-media presence and the circumstances surrounding the Jantar Mantar case. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and the court will consider the matter based on the evidence presented during the legal process.
The court also directed him to cooperate with the investigation, provide his address and contact details, surrender after the interim-bail period and not leave the country without permission. The bail was granted against a personal bond of ₹50,000 with a surety of the same amount.
The court imposed several conditions along with the interim bail. Bhardwaj has been directed not to publish or discuss the case, his defence or the complainant’s family on social media or other media platforms. He has also been restrained from contacting the complainant, the complainant’s daughter or witnesses and from interfering with evidence.
The court noted that the safety of the complainant and his minor daughter was an important consideration while balancing that concern with Bhardwaj’s right to personal liberty. It also said that questions surrounding the June 23 incident must ultimately be decided through the judicial process and evidence.
Bhardwaj’s release marks the latest development in a case that has attracted attention because of his social-media activities and the protests surrounding his arrest. His regular bail plea remains pending, meaning the legal proceedings are continuing despite the temporary release.