States High court

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.

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Akshay Kumar Moves Bombay HC To Protect His Personality Rights

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality…

2 months ago

Bribery Case: CBI Arrests NHIDCL Executive Director

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday arrested the Executive Director and Regional Officer of…

2 months ago

Supreme Court Issues Slew Of Directions On Green Crackers Issue

The Supreme Court on Wednesday laid down detailed interim guidelines permitting the sale and use…

2 months ago

INX Media Case: Delhi HC Relaxes Travel Restrictions On Karti Chidambaram

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday relaxed the travel restrictions placed on Congress MP Karti…

2 months ago

Delhi HC Rules Lawyers’ Offices Not Commercial Establishments; Quashes NDMC Case Against Advocate

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday clarified that the professional office of a lawyer does…

2 months ago

Delhi HC Allows Actor Rajpal Yadav To Travel To Dubai For Diwali Event

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday permitted actor Rajpal Yadav to travel to Dubai to…

2 months ago