SC extends arrest shield for Teesta Setalvad, husband by 4 weeks

A bench of Justices A R Dave and Adarsh K Goel said the interim protection from arrest will continue till October 15. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the issue on behalf of the couple, saying the interim order was expiring on September 15.

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Setalvad and her husband have challenged the order of the Gujarat High Court, denying them anticipatory bail in the case. The high court order was stayed by the apex court and awaits a hearing by a three-judge bench.

The apex court had on April 16 constituted a three-judge bench to hear afresh the anticipatory bail plea of Setalvad and her husband as a two-judge bench of Justices Dipak Misra and Goel referred the issue to a larger bench.

The couple have denied all charges levelled by the Gujarat Police, which in an affidavit in July had alleged that they had misappropriated funds meant for charity for personal expenses buying items ranging from wine to mobile phone, besides tampering with evidence.

Teesta and her husband, who have been fighting for justice for the riots victims, have denied all allegations contending that they have been implicated in the case and were victims of political vendetta.