'Did You Feel No Shame?': SC Slams Arvind Kejriwal's Ex-Private Secretary in Swati Maliwal Misconduct Case

In a stern rebuke on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India criticized Bibhav Kumar, the former private secretary to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, for his alleged misconduct towards Swati Maliwal, the Chairperson of the Delhi Commission for Women.

During the hearing of Bibhav Kumar's petition, which challenged the Delhi High Court's decision to deny him bail, the Supreme Court expressed its dismay at his actions. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta, and Ujjal Bhuyan formed the bench that heard the case.

The bench remarked, "Did you feel no shame in treating a woman in this manner?" They questioned the necessity of employing such individuals in the Chief Minister's office, implying that Kumar's behavior was unbecoming of someone in his position.

The court acknowledged that on the day of the incident, Swati Maliwal had asked Bibhav Kumar to cease his actions, but he continued regardless. Addressing Kumar directly, the court said, "Who do you think you are? Do you have some kind of power in your mind? Your conduct is as if a thug has entered the premises. You were the former secretary; if the victim had no right to be there, neither did you."

The court's comments highlight the gravity of the allegations against Kumar and the serious view it takes of misconduct by individuals in positions of authority. The court's strong language underscores the importance of maintaining professional and ethical behavior, especially in public offices.

Kumar's bail plea was denied, and the Supreme Court's observations are likely to have significant implications for the ongoing case.

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