Story perspectives

Delhi court grants Swatantra Bhardwaj interim bail for three weeks

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 6:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Swatantra Bhardwaj Granted Bail

Delhi court granted Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj three weeks’ interim bail.
He is barred from contacting the complainant, his minor daughter, witnesses, or discussing the case publicly.
Police must collect CCTV, call-detail data, social-media logs and forensic-examine the podcast.
He faces BNS sections 115(2), 126(2), 351(3) and the SC/ST Act, up to seven-year term.
The alleged assault on June 23, 2026 at Jantar Mantar caused head lacerations.

Summary

Chief Justice Orders Protection

Chief Justice ordered police protection for the minor girl and family after alleged intimidation.
Girl's lawyer said police accompanied attackers and stones were thrown at her home.
She reported rape threats and morphed images being circulated online following her complaint.
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh authorities must submit FIR details and security plans for the child.
The lawyer alleged no police officers involved in the attack have been held accountable.

History

Historical Context

The 16 December 2012 gang-rape of Jyoti Singh in South Delhi triggered massive protests and later legal reforms that imposed death sentences for the four convicted men. Today, Delhi’s court bail for Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj and the Chief Justice’s protective orders echo those reforms by restricting offender-victim contact and mandating police security.

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Swatantra Bhardwaj Granted Bail

Delhi court granted Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj three weeks’ interim bail.
He is barred from contacting the complainant, his minor daughter, witnesses, or discussing the case publicly.
Police must collect CCTV, call-detail data, social-media logs and forensic-examine the podcast.
He faces BNS sections 115(2), 126(2), 351(3) and the SC/ST Act, up to seven-year term.
The alleged assault on June 23, 2026 at Jantar Mantar caused head lacerations.

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