Delhi Court Takes Cognizance of Chargesheet Against NewsClick Under UAPA

The Patiala House Court, takes, founder in Delhi has taken cognizance of a chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police against the news portal NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The chargesheet alleges that NewsClick received large sums of money from China to promote pro-China propaganda and disrupt the sovereignty of India.

The court, takes, founder has found sufficient evidence against the accused and has directed the prosecution to supply a copy of the chargesheet to Purkayastha. The matter will come up for argument on the charges on May 31, 2024. The police have obtained necessary sanctions for the prosecution of the accused under the UAPA and the Criminal Procedure Code.

Along with Purkayastha, the news portal PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd has also been made an accused. The Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Purkayastha and NewsClick's HR head Amit Chakravarty in October 2021, and they are currently in judicial custody. Chakravarty has turned approver in the case and has been granted the role of a witness after he filed an application seeking pardon, claiming to possess material information.

The chargesheet, running over 9,000 pages, alleges that Purkayastha accepted foreign funds, primarily from China, to undermine the stability of the nation by fabricating narratives and attempting to disrupt the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It also accuses NewsClick of attempting to show Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh as "not parts of India", discrediting the Indian government's fight against COVID-19, funding the farmers' agitation, and providing a "spirited defence of legal cases" against Chinese telecom companies.

Why this matters: The case against NewsClick and its founder under the UAPA has significant implications for press freedom in India. The allegations of receiving foreign funds to promote pro-China propaganda and undermine India's sovereignty raise serious concerns about the role of media outlets in the country.

The Delhi Police conducted raids at 88 locations in Delhi and seven other states, seizing around 300 electronic gadgets from the offices of NewsClick and the residences of the journalists who were examined. NewsClick has rejected the charges, claiming that the proceedings against it were a "blatant attempt" to muzzle the free press. The outcome of this legal, court, takes case will be closely watched by media organizations and advocates of press freedom in India.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi court takes cognizance of UAPA case against NewsClick, founder Prabir Purkayastha.
• Chargesheet alleges NewsClick received funds from China to promote pro-China propaganda.
• Court finds sufficient evidence, directs prosecution to supply chargesheet to Purkayastha.
• NewsClick HR head Amit Chakravarty turns approver, granted witness status in the case.
• Case raises concerns about press freedom in India, outcome closely watched by media.