The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved verdict on the petition filed by social activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband seeking de-freezing of accounts of her two trusts after a complaint alleged that she diverted money meant for 2002 Gujarat riots victims for her personal use.
While accepting that she used part of the funds worth Rs 9 crore received as donation from Ford Foundation for her personal expenses, Setalvad’s lawyer Kapil Sibal argued that money was neither part of any public money that she siphoned nor did any of the donors allege misuse for which she should be prosecuted.
The bench of Justices Dipak Misra and AM Khanwilkar heard both sides- Teesta and Gujarat Police and reserved orders. The Court directed both parties to file their written submissions to support their stand.
The heated arguments witnessed both sides trading charges with Teesta claiming to be “persecuted” and “maligned” for standing up to the state administration. However, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who represented Gujarat Police claimed that no social worker would spend money meant for riot victims for wining, dining, and other personal use.