NewsClick UAPA Case: Delhi High Court Reserves Order On Amit Chakraborty's Plea Seeking Bail After Turning Approver

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved order on a plea moved by NewsClick Human Resources head Amit Chakraborty seeking bail after turning approver in the UAPA case registered following allegations of the portal receiving money for pro-China propaganda.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma reserved the order after the State said that it has no objection if bail is granted to Chakraborty.

The counsel appearing for Chakraborty submitted that the trial court has already granted pardon to him in the case and that he has been in custody since October last year.

He further told court that the case is still at the investigation stage and chargesheet is yet to be filed by the Delhi Police.

“I am cooperating with the agency. My statement under Section 164 of CrPC has also been recorded in December,” the counsel said.

NewsClick's founder Prabir Purkayastha and Chakraborty were arrested in October last year, after searches were conducted at various locations. Purkayastha is in judicial custody in the case.

Recently, Chakraborty withdrew from the Supreme Court the plea challenging his arrest in the matter after turning approver.

Background

On October 03, 2023, the Delhi police conducted raids on the residences of prominent journalists associated with NewsClick. According to police officials, a total of 46 suspects – 37 men, and 9 women – were questioned and their electronic devices seized under the UAPA.

The organisation came under the investigating agency's scanner after a report by The New York Times said the firm allegedly received money from US billionaire Neville Roy Singham, who is accused of pushing campaigns in support of China and its propaganda.

In October last year, the Delhi High Court dismissed the pleas of Purkayastha and Chakraborty challenging a trial court order remanding them to seven days of police custody in the case.

Aggrieved by the high court's decision, Purkayastha and Chakraborty filed special leave petitions in the Supreme Court. These pleas are currently pending before the top court, which issued notice in both petitions.

In related news, the company owning the NewsClick portal has also approached the Supreme Court against a Delhi High Court order rejecting its challenge against the demand raised by tax authorities, seeking an ad-interim ex-parte stay. Notice has been issued in the matter. 

Title: Amit Chakraborty v. State