Funds Misappropriation Case: SC Directs Teesta Setalvad and Her Husband to Cooperate

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand to cooperate with the Gujarat Police concerning a case filed against them for the alleged misappropriation of funds.

A bench comprising Justice SK Kaul, along with Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and PK Mishra, passed the order following a submission by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who stated that the two individuals were not fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

The bench remarked, “Charge sheet has not yet been filed. ASG submits that there is an element of lack of cooperation. Be that as it may, the respondents will cooperate with the investigation as and when required.” This came as the court disposed of a plea by the Gujarat government challenging the earlier grant of anticipatory bail to Setalvad in the case.

The Apex Court also disposed of a plea by Setalvad, in which she had sought the expunction of remarks made by the Gujarat High Court in its February 8, 2019 judgment when granting her anticipatory bail. The bench emphasized that observations made during the bail stage would have minimal influence on the trial of the matter, and they decided to make her anticipatory bail absolute.

The case involving the alleged misappropriation of funds was registered by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch based on a complaint that accused Setalvad and Anand of “fraudulently” securing grants totaling Rs 1.4 crore from the central government through their NGO, Sabrang Trust, between 2008 and 2013.