Tejinder Khanna, 28, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of committing an act endangering human health.

The court heard the incident occurred about 9pm on Tuesday after Khanna's girlfriend received a text message.

It is alleged he became upset and accused her of cheating on him before hitting her in the face several times with an open palm.

He then took a knife and cut himself on the left forearm before throwing Ghee - clarified butter used in South Asian cuisine that the prosecution told the court was flammable - at the woman's face, but missed.

The court heard Khanna then shook the complainant until she began to lose consciousness and made further threats.

While discussing the bail application, Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker noted the legislation did not differentiate between a flammable and non-flammable liquid when considering the endangering life charge.

The prosecution did not oppose bail but sought Khanna – who has been in Australia for eight years – to surrender his passport.

But the defence said the measure was not necessary, as the defendant had built substantial links to Canberra since moving to the capital 10-months ago.

The defence said the accused worked three jobs, including running his own computer business part-time, and stood to lose money if he fled the jurisdiction.

The accused, who works three jobs, was released on bail subject to a range of conditions imposed by Chief Magistrate Walker, including he not contact or approach the alleged victim.

Khanna did not enter a plea. He will reappear before the court mid-April.