October 09, New Delhi: Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick, was arrested under a law called the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He’s accused of getting money to spread messages supporting China, but he told the Delhi High Court on Monday that these accusations are “fake” and “bogus.” He also said that he hasn’t received any money from China.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who is the judge in this case, didn’t make a decision after hearing both sides argue for about two hours. He said, “Arguments have been heard, and I’ll make a decision later.” The court also mentioned that the further detention of the accused would depend on its final decision regarding their arrest.
Mr. Purkayastha and another person from the news portal, Amit Chakravarty, were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on October 3. They have challenged their arrest and the subsequent police custody and have asked to be released immediately.
The investigation agency, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, claimed that NewsClick received around ₹75 crore from someone in China with the intention of destabilizing and compromising the integrity of India. They also mentioned emails suggesting plans to depict certain Indian territories differently on maps.
Mr. Purkayastha’s lawyer, Kapil Sibal, argued that these allegations are false, and no money has come from China. He also pointed out that their arrest violated a recent Supreme Court decision requiring police to provide written grounds for arrest at the time of detention, which had not been done in this case.
The case revolves around accusations that funds from China were used to disrupt India’s sovereignty and create disaffection against the country. It also involves allegations of conspiracy during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
The court said it would decide on the issuance of notices related to the FIR and other aspects when it makes its final decision on the challenge to the arrest and remand.
- inputs from PTI
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