Delhi HC agrees to hear on September 7 Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj’s plea against arrest
The Delhi High Court has agreed to an urgent hearing for a habeas corpus petition filed by Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj. Bhardwaj was arrested following allegations of assault and criminal intimidation during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Why it matters
Addresses the intersection of political activism, freedom of speech, and the legal standards for arrest and detention in India.
The Delhi High Court on Monday (September 7, 2026) agreed to grant urgent hearing on a plea by Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj against his arrest in connection with the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar.
The habeas corpus petition was mentioned for urgent hearing before a Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia which allowed it to be listed during the day.
Advocate Umesh Sharma mentioned the matter on behalf of Mr. Bhardwaj, and said “the person is in custody for last three days, I am praying that the habeas corpus petition be listed today”.
On Sunday (September 6), Mr. Bhardwaj was produced before a duty magistrate through video conferencing and sent to one-day judicial custody in the case.
Also covering this story
3 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
'Influencer' Swatantra Bhardwaj arrested by Delhi Police, sent to 1-day custody
Delhi Court Remands Swatantra Bhardwaj To One Day Of Judicial Custody In CJP Protester Assault Case
After Swatantra Bhardwaj's arrest, complaint against Nishu Aazad, father over ‘insult’ to Hindu gods on social media
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in