Is critical reporting of Covid policy, farmers protest terrorism?: NewsClick lawyer in court
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New Delhi: NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and its Human Resource department head Amit Chakravarty, who are facing charges under the anti-terror law UAPA for alleged involvement in receiving funds to spread pro-China propaganda through the news portal, were produced in court on Tuesday by Delhi Police.
During the hearing, Prabir Purkayasta's lawyer asked the judge if reporting critically of India’s Covid policy and farmers protest was termed ‘terrorism’. "Is doing reporting critical of Covid policy, farmers protest terrorism?" asked the counsel.
He also said no prima facie case was made out against his client under the anti-terror law UAPA.
The two were produced before Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur around 2:50 PM. The prosecution sought 10 days judicial custody for the duo, which was firmly opposed by Purkayastha's counsel.
Also Read:CBI takes over probe of NewsClick for alleged foreign funding violations
The counsel for Chakravarty argued he was not a journalist nor had received any payment. However, the Delhi Court after hearing Delhi police's plea, sent Purkayastha and Chakravarty to 10 days judicial custody.
According to the FIR, the news portal received funds from China to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the country.
It also alleged Purkayastha conspired with a group, People's Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS), to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
A raid was conducted on October 3 at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states, and 46 journalists and contributors to NewsClick were questioned by the Special Cell in Delhi and NCR.
The Delhi Police also seized more than 300 electronic gadgets from the office of NewsClick and the residences of its journalists. The Delhi Police also sealed the office of NewsClick in connection with its probe into the case.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested Purkayastha and Chakravarty on the same day.
The Delhi High Court had on Monday reserved its order on the petitions filed by Purkayastha and Chakravarty challenging their arrest and the subsequent 7-day police remand.
