A Mumbai CBI court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by human rights activists Teesta Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand. Teesta is now expected to appeal to the High Court.


The couple moved for relief against likely arrest after the CBI raided their house and offices in Juhu on July 14. The CBI prosecutor opposed their plea on the ground that it was a serious crime that requires their custodial interrogation.


The crime he referred to was an FIR lodged against her, Anand and one more person for alleged violations of the foreign funding law.


The FIR registered by the CBI is against directors of Sabrang Communications and Publishing Pvt Ltd -- Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand and Peshimam Gulam Mohammed for alleged violation of provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act by conspiring to receive funds from abroad without permission from the home ministry.