Funds misappropriation case: SC makes its earlier order granting protection from arrest to Teesta Setalvad absolute | India News
The Supreme Court of India. (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday made its earlier order granting protection from arrest to activist Teesta Setalvad in an alleged funds misappropriation case absolute and directed her and her husband to cooperate with the Gujarat Police in the misappropriation of funds case.
SC bench was hearing a batch of pleas
A bench comprising Justice SK Kaul, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice PK Mishra made its earlier order absolute while hearing a batch of pleas filed by Setalvad, her husband, the Gujarat Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation arising out of FIRs in connection with allegations of misappropriation of funds.
SC noted no chargesheet was filed in the case
The bench noted that no chragesheet has been filed in the case and significant time had passed and nothing left in the matter and she had been granted bail by courts in connecting matters.
Gujarat govt alleges couple not cooperating in investigation
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who appeared for the Gujarat government, submitted that the couple were not cooperating in the investigation of the case.
Also read: Supreme Court grants interim relief to Teesta Setalvad, stays Gujarat HC order asking her to surrender immediately
“Chargesheet has not yet been filed. ASG submits that there is an element of lack of cooperation. Be that as it may, the respondents will cooperate with the investigation as and when required,” the bench said while disposing of a plea filed by the Gujarat Government challenging grant of anticipatory bail to her in the matter.
What is the case?
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch registered a case of alleged misappropriation of funds on a complaint that accused the activist and her husband of “fraudulently” securing grants of Rs 1.4 crore from the Centre through their NGO Sabrang Trust between 2008 and 2013.
The top court also disposed of a plea by the activist seeking the expunction of the Gujarat High Court remarks made in its February 8, 2019 judgment while granting her anticipatory bail. “It is trite to say that any observation made at the stage of bail can hardly have any influence on the trial of the matter. We are not required to say anything more,” the top court said while making her anticipatory bail absolute.
