HC grants transit bail to Teesta, Javed Anand

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted transit bail to human rights activists Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand till May 2 in an alleged case of misappropriation of funds registered by the Gujarat police against them.

A single bench of Justice Revati Mohite-dere was hearing a plea filed by the duo seeking transit pre-arrest bail. They say the case registered is completely false and mala fide and intended to malign and curb liberty. The Gujarat Police registered a complaint under Sections 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servant, or by banker, merchant or agent) of the Indian Penal Code. It is alleged that they collected funds through their NGO Sabrang Trust to help the Gujarat riot victims but have misappropriated the same.

Senior counsel Mihir Desai appearing for them said Mr. Anand and Ms. Setalvad are willing to be present before the investigating agency as and when required and sought for a transit bail till May 18. Senior counsel Mahesh Jethmalani representing the Gujarat police, said the duo have to appear before the investigating officers on April 6, and would not be arrested till April 9.

Justice A.S. Gadkari of HC holds a different view on transit bail and has said that it cannot be granted if the case is not in its jurisdiction. However, Justice Revati Mohite-Dere said it defeats the purpose of the provision and eventually gave them relief and referred the issue to a larger bench.