SC Extends Activist Teesta Setalvad Interim Protection Till July 19

The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended the interim protection granted to activist Teesta Setalvad from arrest until July 19.
The case against her pertains to allegations of maligning the image of the Gujarat government during her involvement in the handling of the 2002 Gujarat riots. A special bench comprising Justice BR Gavai, Justice AS Bopanna, and Justice Dipankar Datta has taken up the matter and requested a response from the Gujarat government. The case has been scheduled for final disposal on July 19, which will be the next date of hearing.

During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing on behalf of the Gujarat government along with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, informed the top court that they required additional time to translate certain documents related to the case. This request for more time was considered by the court.

On the other side, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Teesta Setalvad, urged the court to hear the matter urgently. Setalvad’s legal team emphasized the need for a prompt resolution of the case.

In light of these developments, the Supreme Court has extended the interim protection to Teesta Setalvad from arrest until July 19. This extension will allow her to remain free from arrest pending the final disposal of the case. The court expects the Gujarat government to provide its response in due course, and the next hearing will determine the future course of action in this matter.