Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court granted regular bail to Teesta Setalvad in the Gujarat riots case.
- Justice BR Gavai questioned the timing and basis of the arrest, highlighting procedural concerns.
- The court directed Teesta Setalvad not to influence witnesses in the ongoing investigation.
On Wednesday, July 19, the Supreme Court granted regular bail to Teesta Setalvad in a case of alleged evidence fabrication related to the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The apex court set aside the Gujarat High Court decision that had rejected her bail plea and ordered her to surrender immediately.
The court observed that the chargesheet against Setalvad had been filed, eliminating the necessity for custodial interrogation. Further, Justice BR Gavai questioned the timing of the accused’s arrest, and asked, ‘What were you doing till 2022? What investigation have you done from June 24 to June 25 that you decided she has done something so heinous as to warrant her arrest?’
‘Definition of Evidence Act would have to be thrown in the dustbin if your contention has to be accepted. We are only putting you on guard that if you delve more into it, we will have to make observations.’, added Justice Gavai.
The apex court has also directed Teesta not to influence witnesses in the ongoing case.
