Court Grants Interim Bail to Influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj Amid Assault Allegations

The Patiala House Court has granted interim bail to influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is facing allegations of assaulting the father of a minor activist during a protest. The court's decision follows a complex legal battle, including questions about the use of caste-related language during the incident. Bhardwaj's arrest was prompted by demands from a political party, and he is also facing separate charges under the POCSO Act. This case has drawn significant media attention, especially after a viral video surfaced where Bhardwaj allegedly claimed political connections helped him evade consequences. The situation continues to develop as legal proceedings unfold.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 15, 2026, 16:33 IST

Interim Bail Granted to Swatantra Bhardwaj

File image of Swatantra Bhardwaj(Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, Sep 15: The Patiala House Court has granted a three-week interim bail to Swatantra Bhardwaj, a self-proclaimed influencer currently in judicial custody for allegedly assaulting the father of a minor activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar.

Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Pratap Singh Laler issued the order for Bhardwaj's interim relief.

This decision follows the court's previous reservation on Bhardwaj's regular bail request. During the hearing, the court inquired whether caste-related language was used during the incident. The prosecution argued that the initial complaint did not include such claims, which were later added after the complainant's statement was re-recorded, leading to the inclusion of provisions from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the FIR.

Bhardwaj's legal team requested bail, while the prosecution opposed it. He is accused of attacking Sanjay Kumar, the father of a minor protester, during a demonstration in July.

According to police reports, the injuries sustained by Kumar were classified as 'simple' and allegedly inflicted by a steel bracelet.

The FIR cites relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and laws concerning criminal intimidation.

This development comes shortly after the Patiala House Court denied an expedited hearing for Bhardwaj's bail request, scheduling it for September 14.

Bhardwaj was apprehended in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4, following demands for his arrest from representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Previously, the Delhi High Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Bhardwaj contesting his arrest in the assault case, stating it was not maintainable since he was already in judicial custody.

The CJP has also called for the addition of an attempt-to-murder charge, which police indicated would be evaluated after consulting medical experts.

Additionally, a separate FIR has been filed against Bhardwaj under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, based on allegations from the minor activist regarding online threats and harassment.

The controversy gained traction after a viral video surfaced, in which Bhardwaj purportedly admitted to assaulting the activist's father during the protest and claimed he was released due to his 'political connections.'

In response, Bhardwaj stated to the media that his actions were in self-defense.

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) chief Chirag Paswan expressed that his name was 'misused' by Bhardwaj in the viral video. Paswan has lodged an official complaint against Bhardwaj and is committed to ensuring justice for the minor victim and her family.