Delhi High Court grants anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha in money laundering and foreign funding cases. Court also extends relief to director Pranjal Pandey; detailed order awaited.
The Supreme Court granted NewsClick a one-week protection from any coercive action over a tax demand. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, however, rejected a writ petition filed by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd. The petition was filed directly under Article 32 of the Constitution. The court’s decision provides temporary relief but does not settle the tax dispute.
Former Supreme Court Judge Madan Lokur emphasized the constitutional right to silence for arrested individuals during a discussion on freedom of expression. He highlighted the interconnectedness of fundamental rights and warned about suppressing freedom of speech. Parallelly, Prabir Purkayastha reflected on his experiences and emphasized democratic resilience and support for those imprisoned.
The recent discussion on the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Delhi raised concerns about its potential misuse if the current Government returns to power. Senior advocates emphasized the perilous state of civil liberties in India and highlighted arbitrary detentions under UAPA. There is an urgent need for judicial independence and adherence to constitutional rights.
The Supreme Court Today (May 15th) held that the mandate under Pankaj Bansal v Union of India & Ors. judgment to supply written grounds of arrest to money laundering accused, will apply to cases under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as well. The Court held the same while quashing the arrest and remand of Prabir Purkayastha, chief editor of online news portal NewsClick.
Today(on 15th May), The Supreme Court overturned the UAPA-related arrest of NewsClick’s Prabir Purkayastha, ordering his release on bail with surety due to violations of natural justice during the remand process. The Court also questioned the manner in which the remand hearing was conducted and raised concerns about the lack of advance notice to Purkayastha’s lawyer.
Today, 6th May, The Delhi High Court ordered the release of Amit Chakraborty, HR Head of NewsClick, in a UAPA case, following his decision to become an approver. The case involves allegations of receiving funds from China. This ruling reflects the complexity and controversy of UAPA-related cases in India, impacting press freedom and anti-terror laws.
Today (May 3): The Delhi High Court reserved its order on the bail plea of NewsClick’s HR head under the UAPA. The charges allege receipt of funds for pro-China propaganda. Chakravarty’s counsel cited turning approver and requested bail under section 482 of the CrPC. The court awaits the decision amidst the ongoing case scrutiny.
Delhi Police chargesheet accuses Teesta Setalvad and Prabir Purkayastha of financial wrongdoing, inciting violence, and a larger network involving activist Gautam Navlakha. Allegations include news-syndication scam, tainted foreign funds, and aiding Left Wing Extremism. Purkayastha is also accused of disinformation and inciting rioters during farmer protests, implicating him in terrorist acts and anti-India propaganda.