2002 Godhra Riots: Gujarat HC Refuses Urgent Hearing on Teesta Setalvad Plea

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday refused an urgent hearing on rights’ activist Teesta Setalvad plea, who sought to have the case against her, involving alleged evidence fabrication in connection with the 2002 Godhra riots, dismissed.

A single bench of Justice Sandeep Bhatt denied the request for an urgent hearing, noting that her case was scheduled as item number 230 for the day’s proceedings.

“There is no question at all. I can’t grant urgent hearing especially when admission matters of 2018 are still pending. You know the practice of this court no out of turn consideration pls. If your matter reaches today then I will hear it but if not then a shortest possible date will be given,” Justice Bhatt noted.

Teesta Setalvad was arrested after a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court made unfavorable remarks about her on June 24, 2022, while dismissing a plea by Zakia Jafri, the wife of the late Congress Member of Parliament (MP), Ehsan Jafri, who was tragically killed during the 2002 Gujarat Riots.

Setalvad faced charges of conspiracy and fabricating evidence to implicate higher officials of the then Gujarat government in cases related to the 2002 riots.

In September 2022, the Apex Court granted her interim bail in the case and directed her to seek regular bail from the Gujarat High Court. However, in a detailed order on July 1, a single-judge bench of Justice Nirzar Desai at the Gujarat High Court denied her regular bail. The court noted that granting her bail could exacerbate communal polarization in the State.

Consequently, Teesta Setalvad approached the Top Court for interim bail, which was granted on July 19. The apex court deemed the findings of the Gujarat High Court, which denied her bail, to be ‘perverse.’ However, a day later, a sessions court in Ahmedabad rejected her application for discharge from the case.

Consequently, Setalvad moved the High Court, requesting the quashing of the case. However, on August 3, Justice Samir Dave recused himself from the case.