Newsclick HR head Amit Chakraborty moves Delhi HC for bail in UAPA case

“Pardon has been granted by the sessions court. The matter is still at the investigation stage and no chargesheet has been filed yet,” Chakraborty’s counsel submitted, adding that his client is “cooperating with the investigation agency”.

The counsel appearing for the Delhi Police submitted that they have no objection if bail is granted to Chakraborty.

“Order reserved,” Justice Sharma, thereafter, said.

Chakraborty had moved an application in the trial court in December last year, seeking permission to turn approver in the case and expressed willingness to disclose information to Delhi Police.

Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur of Patiala House Courts allowed him to turn approver and also granted him a pardon in the matter last month.

In August last year, the Delhi Police Special Cell registered a first information report (FIR) under sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code against NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha and Chakraborty. Both were arrested in October 2023.

Purkayastha and Chakraborty were arrested following day-long searches at more than 50 locations linked to the news portal, its employees and contributors. After the searches, the police said 46 “suspects” had been questioned and their “digital devices” seized.

The High Court dismissed the duo’s plea challenging their arrest and remand in the UAPA case on October 13, 2023.