SC downplays Zaheera’s Best statement

The Supreme Court-appointed committee has decided to cross-examine Best Bakery case key witness Zaheera Sheikh and seek written replies from Teesta Setalvad on the ground that the witness was not as ‘‘mature, educated and literate’’ as the social activist.

This order was passed by the committee headed by Registrar General of Supreme Court B.M. Gupta rejecting the plea of Zaheera’s counsel that equality of approach towards her and Teesta be maintained. Later, the judge said ‘‘under no circumstances will we allow the proceedings of the committee to be adjourned. Whatever grievance you have could be heard after the committee submits its report to the court.’’ The proceedings were adjourned on Tuesday to allow Zaheera to mention this application before Justice Pasayat who, sitting in a division bench, had ordered transfer of the trial of Best case from Gujarat to Mumbai.

The committee has given her time till April 21 to file the replies.