Bail, Not Redemption: The Swatantra Bhardwaj Case Raises Questions About Accountability The recent release of social media influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj on interim bail in connection with the alleged assault on a student activist's father at Jantar Mantar has sparked widespread criticism and debate.
While the court's decision to grant bail is not unusual, the circumstances surrounding Bhardwaj's detention and the conditions imposed by the judge have raised important questions about accountability and the role of social media in fuelling vigilantism.
The incident that led to Bhardwaj's arrest occurred on September 4, hours after a protest outside the Parliament Street police station demanded his arrest over the alleged assault.