Supreme Court Grants Interim Relief To Teesta Setalvad

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Interim Relief Granted to Activist Teesta Setalvad by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has provided interim relief to renowned activist Teesta Setalvad, who was arrested by the Gujarat Police on charges of forgery and criminal conspiracy. The court has directed the police not to make any arrests until July 15, allowing Setalvad temporary respite.

Background and Arrest

Teesta Setalvad was taken into custody on June 25, 2022, following the rejection of her bail plea by the Gujarat High Court. She stands accused of fabricating evidence and influencing witnesses in cases connected to the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Supreme Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim relief to Setalvad came after a three-judge bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai, AS Bopanna, and Dipankar Datta, heard her plea. Noting that Setalvad had previously been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in September 2022, the bench has urged the Gujarat High Court to expeditiously address her bail application.

Teesta Setalvad’s Work and Background

Teesta Setalvad is a prominent human rights activist who has dedicated many years to working on the Gujarat riots case. She is the founder of Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), an NGO actively involved in the legal battle for justice on behalf of the riot victims.

The 2002 Gujarat riots were a series of communal clashes that occurred in Gujarat. These riots were incited by the Godhra train burning incident, which resulted in the death of 58 Hindu pilgrims. The violence that followed claimed the lives of over 1,000 people, primarily Muslims.

Setalvad and CJP have been vocal critics of the Gujarat government’s handling of the riots. They have alleged that the government failed to adequately protect the Muslim minority and even colluded with Hindu extremists involved in the violence.

Response of the Gujarat Government

The Gujarat government has refuted these allegations, asserting that it took all necessary measures to safeguard the minority community. Additionally, they claim to have diligently pursued justice against those responsible for the riots.

Significance of the Supreme Court’s Decision

The Supreme Court’s grant of interim relief to Teesta Setalvad marks a significant development in the Gujarat riots case. This decision signifies that the court is taking the allegations against Setalvad seriously and affording her a fair opportunity to defend herself. Furthermore, the ruling will be closely monitored by the human rights community, which remains concerned about the safety of activists engaged in addressing sensitive issues.