Supreme Court

NewsClick Row: SC to Hear Purkayastha and Chakravarty’s Pleas Challenging Arrest Tomorrow

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on October 19 to consider the pleas filed by Newsclick founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha and the website’s human resources head, Amit Chakravarty.

Both individuals are challenging their arrest and detention under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which is connected to alleged Chinese funding for the promotion of anti-national propaganda.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and PK Mishra has adjourned the matter to the following day. Justice Gavai mentioned that his fellow judge, Justice Mishra, also intends to review the case files.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, requested the bench to at least issue notice to the Delhi police. In response, the bench stated that it will hear the matter the next day.

Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty have filed petitions with the Supreme Court to challenge the Delhi High Court’s decision to uphold the trial court’s order that placed them in police custody, followed by judicial custody.

Their arrest occurred on October 3, following an investigation by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police that involved the search of 30 locations associated with the online news portal and its journalists. The arrest was made under the UAPA, based on allegations of receiving funds to promote pro-China propaganda.

The FIR alleged that a significant amount of money had purportedly come from China to Newsclick with the intent to “disrupt the sovereignty of India” and foster disaffection against the country. The investigative agency also asserted that Prabir Purkayastha had conspired with a group called the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to undermine the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed their pleas, stating that it believed “serious offenses affecting the stability, integrity, sovereignty, and national security have been alleged against the petitioner.” Consequently, the court was not inclined to issue any favorable orders in their favor.

 

Nunnem Gangte

Recent Posts

Punjab & Haryana HC Notice To Jindal Law School Over AI-Generated Exam Claims

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday has issued a notice to Jindal Global…

27 mins ago

ED Files Money Laundering Complaint Against Charanjit Singh Bajaj, 4 Others

The ED on Tuesday has filed a Prosecution Complaint before the Special Court in Mohali…

48 mins ago

Pune Porsche Case: SC Rejects Anticipatory Bail To Father Of Minor Driver’s Friend

The Supreme Court on Tuesday denied bail to Arunkumar Devnath Singh, whose son is a…

2 hours ago

SC Dumps Plea Against Quashing LOC For Sushant Singh Rajput’s Ex-House Help

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Centre's appeal against a Bombay High Court order…

2 hours ago

Rape Case: SC Issues Notice On Ex-Army Officer’s Plea For Quashing Charge sheet

The Supreme Court on Tuesday has agreed to review a plea from retired Army Captain…

3 hours ago

Chhattisgarh NAN Scam: FIR Against 2 Retired IAS Officers, Former AG

The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday has registered a case against 2 retired IAS officers…

3 hours ago