The Supreme Court in New Delhi has declared the arrest of NewsClick founder, Prabir Purkayastha, as "invalid" in a case pertaining to the anti-terror law. The court has directed for his release from custody, stating that the allegations against him were not grounded in fact. According to the FIR, the news portal is alleged to have received funds from China to disrupt the sovereignty of India, but the court found no evidence to support this claim.
Prabir Purkayastha's Arrest Invalidated by Supreme Court
Background:
Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of NewsClick, an independent news portal, was arrested on August 26, 2021, under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The arrest was made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with alleged foreign funding and Maoist links.
Supreme Court Ruling:
On January 20, 2023, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice DY Chandrachud, declared Purkayastha's arrest as "invalid" and ordered his immediate release. The court found that the allegations against Purkayastha were not supported by sufficient evidence.
Allegations and Findings:
The NIA had alleged that NewsClick received funds from China through a Pakistani intermediary to disrupt the sovereignty of India. However, the court examined the evidence presented by the NIA and found no basis for these claims. The court also noted that the charges against Purkayastha were general and lacked specific details.
Significance of the Ruling:
The Supreme Court's ruling is a significant victory for press freedom in India. It reaffirms the principle that the UAPA cannot be used to suppress legitimate journalistic activities. The court's decision also serves as a warning to law enforcement agencies against the arbitrary use of draconian laws.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are the allegations against Prabir Purkayastha? Answer: He was accused of receiving foreign funding from China to disrupt the sovereignty of India through his news portal, NewsClick.
2. Why did the Supreme Court declare his arrest invalid? Answer: The court found that the allegations were not supported by sufficient evidence, and the charges were general and lacked specifics.
3. What is the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling? Answer: It is a victory for press freedom in India and a warning against the arbitrary use of the UAPA against journalists.
4. Has Prabir Purkayastha been released from custody? Answer: Yes, he was released immediately after the Supreme Court's ruling.
5. What is the future of the case against Prabir Purkayastha? Answer: The case may still proceed, but the prosecution will have to present more substantial evidence to support its allegations.
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