CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke has questioned the contrasting outcomes in two cases after the Patiala House Court granted Swatantra Bhardwaj three weeks of interim bail.
Reacting on X on Tuesday, Dipke pointed to the difference between a person receiving bail within days and another individual allegedly spending years in custody without facing a trial or hearing. He summed up his criticism with the words, “Same justice system. Very different approach.”
The Patiala House Court granted Bhardwaj interim bail for three weeks on Tuesday, subject to several conditions. His regular bail plea remains pending and is scheduled to be considered on October 6. The court has also sought a report from police regarding his conduct during the interim bail period.
Court Imposes Strict Conditions
Special Judge (SC/ST Act) SPS Laler granted Bhardwaj bail on a Rs 50,000 bond along with a surety of the same amount.
During the interim bail period, Bhardwaj has been prohibited from making social media posts, giving interviews or issuing public statements relating to the case, his defence, the complainant or the complainant’s family.
He has also been directed to stay away from the complainant, his minor daughter, family members and prosecution witnesses. The court further barred him from threatening, influencing or attempting to induce any of them.
Case Linked To Jantar Mantar Incident
Bhardwaj was arrested in connection with an alleged assault on Sanjay Azad, a Scheduled Caste community member, during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on June 23, 2026.
While granting interim relief, the court made clear that Bhardwaj’s conduct during the three-week period could be considered when his regular bail plea or any request for an extension is taken up.
Dipke’s remarks have brought attention to the contrasting timelines of bail and trial proceedings, with his post specifically questioning why the justice system can appear to take very different approaches in different cases.
