The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): On Monday, the Delhi High Court directed the release of Amit Chakravarty, the head of the human resources department at NewsClick, from custody in connection with charges under the anti-terrorism law UAPA. The allegations against the news portal involve receiving funds to support pro-China propaganda. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued the order for Chakravarty’s release based on his medical condition and because the prosecution did not oppose his release, given his role as an approver in the case and the pardon granted to him.
The decision to release Chakravarty was reserved by the high court on May 3, following his lawyer’s argument that the chargesheet had been filed and Chakravarty, having turned approver in January, was listed as a prosecution witness.
The court specified that Chakravarty must post a personal bond of Rs 25,000 with a surety of the same amount, subject to approval by the trial court. The judge noted the importance of detaining approvers to prevent them from potentially retracting their testimony to protect former associates. However, the court acknowledged that if Chakravarty fails to meet the conditions of his pardon, such as not testifying truthfully, he could face additional charges under Section 308 of the CrPC for perjury, in addition to being tried for the original offence.
Significantly, the court took into account Chakravarty’s severe medical condition, noting his 59% permanent disability and reliance on a wheelchair. This physical limitation was highlighted as a substantial barrier to his daily activities, prompting the court to adopt a compassionate approach towards his release.
The Delhi Police’s counsel confirmed that the prosecution had no objections to granting Chakravarty relief. His lawyer emphasized that he had been cooperative in the investigation and had been officially pardoned by the trial court.
Chakravarty, arrested alongside NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell in October of the previous year, claimed to possess crucial information about the case, which he was prepared to share with the authorities.
The FIR against NewsClick accuses it of receiving substantial funds from China aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and stirring dissent, along with allegations of conspiracy during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections linked to the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS).
Following extensive raids involving 88 locations in Delhi and several others across states, numerous individuals, including nine female journalists, were interrogated by the Special Cell, and approximately 300 electronic devices were seized.
