In a recent update, the Delhi Police informed a local court that it has obtained all requisite sanctions necessary for prosecuting the accused in the NewsClick case. The allegations revolve around the news portal purportedly receiving funds in exchange for disseminating pro-China content.
According to Special Public Prosecutor Akhand Pratap Singh, the authorities have secured three distinct sanction orders under Section 45 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). These documents are being presented in the form of supplementary chargesheets.
Responding to these developments, Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur of the Patiala House Courts deferred the proceedings to April 30. During this adjournment, the court will deliberate on whether to acknowledge the charge sheet submitted in the case.
Judge Kaur emphasized the importance of reviewing the charge sheet before making any decisions regarding the matter.
Earlier, on March 30, the Special Cell of Delhi Police filed its initial charge sheet, comprising over 9,000 pages, against Prabir Purkayastha, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, under the provisions of the UAPA.
Prosecutors had previously mentioned the pending sanctions under Section 45 of UAPA and Section 196 of the CrPC, which were awaited. These would subsequently be included in a supplementary charge sheet.
In addition to Prabir Purkayastha, PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt Ltd, the parent company of the news portal, has also been implicated as an accused party. Furthermore, the judicial custody of both Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, the HR head of NewsClick, has been extended.
Notably, on January 9, the court granted approval for Amit Chakravarty to act as an approver in the case. This decision followed his application for pardon, in which he asserted possessing significant information that he was willing to disclose to the Delhi Police.
Read also | German Ambassador Applauds India's Monumental Election: A Showcase of Democracy
