Today (February 27th), the Supreme Court issued a directive for AIIMS to establish a medical board tasked with assessing the health status of Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick. Purkayastha is presently held in Tihar Jail in connection with a case filed against him under the anti-terror legislation, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court today has directed AIIMS to establish a medical board to assess the health condition of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, who is presently incarcerated in Tihar Jail under charges levied against him under the anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta instructed the director of AIIMS to form the board and furnish a report within two weeks.
“Considering all aspects, it is appropriate that the medical condition be evaluated by a board appointed by the AIIMS director. The board must also review the jail records and the complete medical history of the petitioner,”
-the bench stated.
This directive follows senior advocate Kapil Sibal‘s assertion, representing Purkayastha, that the prison authorities’ report regarding his client’s health was inaccurate.
The Delhi High Court had previously rejected the pleas of Purkayastha and the head of NewsClick’s human resources department, Amit Chakravarty, challenging their detention and subsequent police custody in the matter. Both were apprehended by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on October 3.
The FIR registered in the case alleges that substantial funds were received by the news portal from China with the purported intent to “undermine the sovereignty of India” and incite disaffection against the nation. It further claims that Purkayastha colluded with the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to disrupt the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
PREVIOUS REPORTS ON THE CASE
Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Bail Plea of NewsClick HR Head Amit Chakraborty
NewsClick Withdraws Supreme Court Plea to Seek Relief from ITAT Over Income Tax Notice
Is Delhi Police Special Cell Facing Criticism for Slow Progress in NewsClick Case?
Supreme Court Demands Medical Report for NewsClick Founder, Critiques Administration’s Competence
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