SC tells Setalvad, husband to cooperate with Gujarat Police

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand to cooperate with the Gujarat Police concerning a case filed against them for the alleged misappropriation of funds.

A bench comprising Justice S.K. Kaul, along with Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and P.K. Mishra, passed the order following a submission by Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, who stated that the two individuals were not fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The bench remarked, “Charge-sheet 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.” This came as the court disposed of a plea by the Gujarat government challenging the earlier grant of anticipatory bail to Setalvad in the case.

The apex court also disposed of a plea by Setalvad, in which she had sought the expunction of remarks made by the Gujarat High Court in its February 8, 2019 judgment when granting her anticipatory bail. The bench emphasized that observations made during the bail stage would have minimal influence on the trial of the matter, and they decided to make her anticipatory bail absolute.

The case involving the alleged misappropriation of funds was registered by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch based on a complaint that accused Setalvad and Anand of “fraudulently” securing grants.