New Delhi, May 15 (Ozi news desk): The Supreme Court has ordered the release of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, declaring his arrest and subsequent remand under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 as illegal due to procedural lapses.
Purkayastha’s release is contingent upon him providing bail bonds to the satisfaction of the trial court, after being in custody since October 3, 2023 following his arrest by the Special Cell of the Delhi police.
The arrest was related to allegations of funds from China being used to disrupt India’s sovereignty through the news portal, and Purkayastha’s alleged involvement in conspiring to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
The Supreme Court’s decision was influenced by a previous case involving the Enforcement Directorate, emphasizing the need to avoid arbitrary exercise of powers conferred by relevant laws.
