Delhi High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to NewsClick Founder Amid Foreign Funding Allegations

Court Decision on Anticipatory Bail

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court approved anticipatory bail for Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, in connection with allegations regarding violations of foreign funding regulations. This case was initiated by the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also extended anticipatory bail to Pranjal Pandey, the director of NewsClick, in the same case.

Back in June 2021, the court had initially provided Purkayastha with interim protection from arrest, which has been periodically renewed since then.

The allegations stem from a first information report filed by the Delhi Police in August 2020, accusing NewsClick of breaching Foreign Direct Investment regulations. Following this, the Enforcement Directorate began its own investigation based on the FIR.

In February 2021, the central agency conducted searches at the NewsClick office and Purkayastha's residence, prompted by the claims made by the Delhi Police. However, no arrests were made during these operations.

In October 2023, the Delhi Police executed raids at the NewsClick office and the homes of approximately 80 journalists and associates linked to the portal. Purkayastha was arrested on the same day as these raids.

These actions were connected to another case initiated under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which alleged that NewsClick had received funds from Chinese sources aimed at undermining India's sovereignty.

The case gained attention after a report by The New York Times in August 2023 claimed that NewsClick had financial ties to American businessman Neville Roy Singham, who allegedly collaborated with Chinese state media.

In May 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that Purkayastha's arrest was invalid and ordered his release.