Teesta Setalvad Case : ASG To Inform Supreme Court If Anything Substantial Survives In The Matter

The Additional Solicitor General, Mr. S.V. Raju apprised a Bench comprising Justice SK Kaul, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice Aravind Kumar that Teesta Setalvad has submitted that she has cooperated in the investigation. In view of the same, he sought time to verify the same and take instructions if anything substantive survives in the matter. Accordingly, the Bench granted time and directed the matter to be listed next on the week of 26th April, 2023. It recorded in the order -

“Ld. ASG submits that he needs a short accommodation to take instructions whether substantively anything survives in the matter in view of the submission made on behalf of the petitioner that the petitioner has cooperated in the investigation.”

Previously, the Apex Court had orally asked the CBI and the Gujarat government whether they want to send social activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand back in custody despite the two having been out on bail for over seven years.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Setalvad had shared with the Court a note with a list of all the matters pending with the present status. He had pointed out, “These are matters that are pending for eight-eight years. Anticipatory bail matters are pending for eight years. The high court has granted anticipatory bail. Regular bail has also been granted in several matters. No charge sheet filed. And the matter is kept pending.”

"Question is how long can you keep someone in custody. Seven years have passed since anticipatory bail was granted. You want to send her back to custody,” Justice Kaul had asked.

Advocate Rajat Nair appearing for the CBI and the Gujarat Government had sought time to place some additional material. Accordingly, the Apex Court stood over the matter.

[Case Title : Teesta Setalvad v. State of Gujarat Crl.A. No. 338/2015 and connected cases]