The Delhi High Court Today (07 Feb 2024) reserved order in NewsClick’s Human Resources Department (HR) head, Amit Chakraborty’s bail plea in the case lodged against the news portal under anti-terror law UAPA over allegations that it received money to spread pro-China propaganda.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has taken under advisement the bail plea of Amit Chakraborty, the Human Resources head of NewsClick, in connection with a case filed under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The case alleges that NewsClick received funds to disseminate pro-China propaganda, casting a shadow over the media portal’s operations and thrusting it into the center of a geopolitical controversy.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma presided over the proceedings, wherein the State expressed no objection to granting bail to Chakraborty. This stance came after Chakraborty’s decision to turn approver in the case, a move that has significantly altered the dynamics of the legal battle. The court’s decision to reserve its order marks a pivotal moment for Chakraborty, who has been in custody since October of the previous year, highlighting the protracted nature of investigations under the UAPA.
“The State has no objection to the grant of bail to the present accused applicant. It is stated that he has already been granted pardon after he turned an approver.”
-Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
Chakraborty’s legal counsel underscored the trial court’s decision to grant him a pardon, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigative agency and noting that his statement under Section 164 of the CrPC was recorded in December. This cooperation is central to Chakraborty’s plea for bail, as it demonstrates his willingness to aid the investigation, notwithstanding the charges levied against him and NewsClick’s founder, Prabir Purkayastha, who remains in judicial custody.
The backdrop to this legal drama is a series of raids conducted in October last year, following a report by The New York Times. The report suggested that NewsClick had been the beneficiary of funds from US billionaire Neville Roy Singham, accused of promoting campaigns supportive of China. This allegation has led to a comprehensive investigation, involving searches at the residences of prominent journalists associated with NewsClick and the seizure of electronic devices under the UAPA.
The case against NewsClick and its executives has sparked a debate on the freedom of the press, the use of UAPA in investigating media organizations, and the implications of foreign funding on journalistic independence. As the Delhi High Court deliberates on Chakraborty’s bail, the outcome will not only affect the individuals directly involved but also set a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future.
Moreover, the legal challenges faced by NewsClick extend beyond the UAPA case. The company has also approached the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order that rejected its challenge against a demand raised by tax authorities. This multifaceted legal battle underscores the complexities of operating a media portal in an increasingly polarized global landscape.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case remains a closely watched saga, emblematic of the tensions between state security concerns and journalistic freedom. The Delhi High Court’s forthcoming decision on Chakraborty’s bail plea will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the media industry and the application of anti-terror laws in India.
Case Title: Amit Chakroborty v. State
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