Delhi High Court Denies Relief to NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha in UAPA Case
The Delhi High Court has turned down the plea of NewsClick founder, Prabir Purkayastha, who challenged his arrest under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Prabir Purkayastha’s arrest came in the wake of an alleged money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has levelled accusations against NewsClick and its promoters, alleging that they received foreign funds amounting to INR 30 crores under suspicious circumstances.
While delivering the judgment, the High Court bench remarked,
“The grounds raised by the petitioner do not merit any interference at this stage.”
The court further clarified that Purkayastha retains the
“liberty to raise all contentions before the trial court.”
During the proceedings, Purkayastha’s counsel contended that the arrest was
“illegal and mala fide.”
They argued that the provisions of the UAPA were being misapplied to target journalists, thereby stifling freedom of the press. Addressing these concerns, the court observed,
“The allegations and the material collected by the respondent need to be tested during the trial.”
The ED’s case against NewsClick and its founder revolves around alleged financial irregularities. They assert that NewsClick received funds from abroad with the intent of publishing “anti-India” content. Furthermore, the ED alleges that these funds, instead of being used for the declared purpose, were diverted for personal benefits.
Adding another layer to the case, the ED also claims that Purkayastha received properties in posh localities of Delhi at rates significantly below the market value, hinting at a quid pro quo.
The unfolding legal battle has drawn significant attention from media circles and civil society. Many perceive it as a crucial juncture for press freedom in India. With the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to dismiss Purkayastha’s plea, all eyes remain fixed on the subsequent legal developments and their broader implications for the journalistic community and freedom of expression in the country.
