delhi-high-court-orders-release-of-newsclick-accused-amit-chakravarty-in-uapa-case

The Delhi High Court issued an order for the release of Amit Chakravarty, the HR head of NewsClick, in a case filed by the Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Chakravarty, who recently became an approver in the case, was granted release by Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma.

 

In recent proceedings, the trial court acknowledged the chargesheet filed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police against NewsClick PPK and its founder and Editor-in-Chief, Prabir Purkayastha.

 

Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh informed the court about the arrests of two accused during raids and highlighted the presence of 8 protected witnesses in the case, whose statements contributed to the cognizance of the offences.

 

The chargesheet primarily targets Prabir and NewsClick PPK, with investigations ongoing into additional individuals implicated later. Delhi Police assured the court of obtaining all necessary sanctions for the prosecution under UAPA and CrPC Section 196.

 

Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh confirmed the submission of three sanction orders, which were included in the supplementary chargesheet filed under UAPA provisions.

 

The chargesheet, submitted by the Special Cell of Delhi Police in the Patiala House Court, comprises nearly 8,000 pages with annexures. It alleges that NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha received substantial funds for pro-China propaganda. Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty were arrested on October 3, 2023, under various sections of the UAPA and IPC, including 153A and 120B.

 

The Delhi Police FIR outlines the infusion of foreign funds, amounting to crores, into India by domestic and foreign entities hostile to the country's interests.

 

These funds were allegedly used to promote false narratives aimed at disrupting India's sovereignty, causing disaffection, and threatening its unity, integrity, and security. 

 

The FIR specifically mentions the involvement of People’s Dispatch Portal, owned by M/S PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd., in spreading these narratives through paid news.