NewsClick UAPA Case: Delhi High Court Orders Release Of Approver Amit Chakraborty

The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered release of 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 passed the order allowing Chakraborty's plea seeking his release in the case.

”Therefore, having considered the facts and circumstances of the case, the no objection of the prosecution in releasing the petitioner from custody, as well as the medical condition of the petitioner, this Court directs that the petitioner herein be released on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000/- with one surety of the like amount, subject to the satisfaction of concerned Trial Court….,” the court said.

It observed that given the extent of his disability and dependence on a wheelchair, it was evident that Chakraborty faces significant obstacles in carrying out even basic activities of daily living. 

“The petitioner's medical condition warrants special consideration and calls for a humane and understanding approach to his situation. In cases where an individual's physical disability significantly affects his well-being and daily functioning, the Court must acknowledge its responsibility to intervene judiciously and consider the possibility of relief or release from custody if the same is permissible under law,” Justice Sharma 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.

Chakraborty had withdrawn from the Supreme Court the plea challenging his arrest in the matter after turning approver.

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. However, Chakraborty was allowed to withdraw his plea after he turned approver.

Recently, the Supreme Court questioned the Delhi Police for its "hot haste" in producing Prabir Purkayastha before the Magistrate after his arrest without informing his lawyer.

Title: Amit Chakraborty v. State

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