The Patiala House Court in Delhi has extended the judicial custody of NewsClick’s founder and editor-in-chief, Prabir Purkayastha, and HR Head, Amit Chakravarty, in a case registered by Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The allegations suggest that NewsClick received substantial funds for pro-China propaganda. Additional Sessions Judge Dr. Hardeep Kaur has prolonged their judicial custody until February 17, 2024.
The court recently allowed Chakravarty to become an approver in the case, a role that involves testifying against co-accused in exchange for a pardon. Legal safeguards ensure fair treatment, and the approver’s testimony must be corroborated.
Advocate Arshdeep Singh Khurana represented Prabir, and Advocate Lalit Kumar represented Amit during the hearing. The same court had previously granted the Delhi Police Special Cell an additional two months to conclude the investigation, citing the need for more time.
In October 2023, Delhi Police arrested Purkayastha and Chakraborty under UAPA, alleging that the People’s Dispatch Portal, owned by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd., was involved in peddling false narratives through paid news, using illegally routed foreign funds.
The FIR outlined that crores of illegally infused foreign funds aimed to disrupt India’s sovereignty, cause disaffection, and threaten its unity and security.
The court had earlier dismissed Purkayastha’s application seeking the release of his seized electronic devices.