SC Orders Release of NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha

BY A STAFF REPORTER: In a significant move, the Supreme Court ordered the release of NewsClick Founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 on May 15, Wednesday.

The Top Court termed Purkayastha's arrest by the Delhi Police and remand 'illegal'. The Court further stated that the copy of the remand application was not given to the appellant or his counsel before passing the remand order on October 4 last year. However, the apex court ordered that Prabir Purkayastha's release from custody will only be allowed if he provides bail bonds.

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested NewsClick Founder Prabir Purkayastha along with HR Amit Chakraborty in connection with a UAPA case on October 3, 2023. He was accused of receiving illicit funds from China to 'disrupt the sovereignty of India' and cause disaffection against the country.