- By Vivek Raj
- Sat, 30 Mar 2024 06:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Police has filed its first charge sheet in the NewsClick UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) case, spanning approximately 8,000 pages. The charge sheet accuses NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and PPK NEWSCLICK Studio Private Limited of allegedly propagating Chinese propaganda.
Presented before Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur, the charge sheet marks a major development in the case. Special public prosecutors Akhand Pratap Singh and Suraj Rathi confirmed the inclusion of Purkayastha and the company as accused parties.
Sources from the court reveal that the extensive charge sheet, comprising over 8,000 pages along with annexures, sets the stage for further legal proceedings. The court has scheduled the matter for continuation on April 16.
Delhi Police had received extensions to file the charge sheet, first in December of the previous year and subsequently in February. On March 20, the court granted an additional 10-day extension after considering submissions from the public prosecutors.
Under Section 43 D of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the investigation's timeline can be extended from 90 days to a maximum of 180 days. The case, registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell last year, includes sections 13, 16, 17, 18, and 22 of the UAPA, along with sections 153A and 120B of the Indian Penal Code.
Founder Prabir Purkayastha and HR head Amit Chakravarty were apprehended on October 3, 2023, in connection with the case. In January this year, Chakravarty was granted permission by the court to act as an approver, following his application seeking the same.
(With agency inputs)
