Teesta Setalvad Cleared for Amsterdam Film Festival Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

The Supreme Court has granted activist Teesta Setalvad permission to attend the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam. Setalvad, previously granted bail regarding allegations of document fabrication linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots, sought court approval to travel for her documentary 'Cycle Mahesh.' Conditions applied include posting surety and returning her passport.

The Supreme Court of India has granted activist Teesta Setalvad permission to travel to the International Documentary Film Festival in Amsterdam from November 14 to November 24. The decision was made by a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, allowing her to participate as the producer of the documentary 'Cycle Mahesh.'

This development comes after Setalvad was released on regular bail in July 2023 concerning accusations of fabricating documents related to the 2002 post-Godhra riots. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented Setalvad, requesting the court's consent for international travel, as her passport was being held by the sessions court since July.

The Gujarat government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, raised no objections to the travel request. Setalvad is required to meet conditions similar to those previously set in August when she was permitted to travel to Malaysia for a conference.

(With inputs from agencies.)