NewsClick Row: Delhi Court Dismisses Founder’s Plea Seeking Release of Seized Devices

Delhi’s Patiala House Court has rejected the application of Prabir Purkayastha, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Newsclick, which sought directives for the release of his electronic devices seized by the Delhi Police.

Additional Sessions Judge Dr Hardeep Kaur rejected the plea.

Prabir Purkayastha, accompanied by Newsclick HR Head Amit Chakraborty, was recently arrested by Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The arrest was made in connection with allegations that the news portal NewsClick received substantial funds for pro-China propaganda.

In the FIR filed by Delhi Police’s Special Cell against the founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha and NewsClick, it was asserted that the People’s Dispatch Portal, owned and maintained by M/s PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd., was utilized for intentionally disseminating false narratives through paid news, involving crores of rupees of illegally routed foreign funds as part of a conspiracy.

The Delhi Police FIR further contended that foreign funds amounting to crores were illegally introduced into India by Indian and Foreign entities hostile to India.

This was allegedly done as part of a conspiracy with the intent to disrupt the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, foster disaffection against India, and pose threats to the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.