AMN /
The Supreme Court today extended till January 31 the interim protection from arrest granted to social activist Teesta Setalvad in a case of alleged embezzlement of funds for a museum at Ahmedabad’s Gulbarg Society that was devastated in the 2002 riots. Meanwhile, the bench, also issued notice to CBI on a fresh plea filed by Setalvad in connection with a separate case relating to alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
The plea alleged that the High Court, which had granted anticipatory bail to Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand, erroneously remarked that there was “prima facie” violation of FCRA by them. While granting anticipatory bail to Setalvad, the High Court while holding that Prima facie there has been violation under the FCRA; asked where is the threat to national security and public interest.
The bench then fixed the batch of pleas, filed by Gujarat police, CBI and Setalvad, for hearing on January 21. Setalvad and her husband are facing a case registered by the Gujarat police relating to alleged embezzlement of funds collected by them for constructing a museum at Ahmedabad’s Gulbarg Society which was ravaged in the 2002 communal riots. The apex court had granted them protection in this matter.
Another case has been registered by the CBI alleging that the Sabrang Communications and Publishing Pvt Ltd, run by Setalvad, received foreign grants from the Ford Foundation in violation of FCRA provisions, in which the Bombay High Court has granted anticipatory bail to the couple. The CBI, Gujarat police and Setalvad have filed separate
petitions in the apex court in these two matters.