A Delhi court has instructed the Delhi Police to provide the news portal NewsClick with a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) concerning the arrests of its editor-in-chief, Prabir Purkayastha, and administrative officer, Amit Chakraborty. The arrests were carried out by the Delhi Police Special Cell based on an FIR filed in August under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The police had initially resisted the demand for the FIR made by Prabir Purkayastha. However, the court has now ruled in favor of transparency and ordered the police to share the FIR with NewsClick.
This case has drawn attention due to the arrest of journalists and the seizure of their digital devices. Journalists associated with NewsClick were questioned about their coverage of events such as anti-CAA protests, Delhi riots, and farm protests.
Advocate Arshdeep Singh, representing NewsClick, had requested access to both the FIR and the police remand application. While the court granted the remand application, it withheld the FIR initially.
The case has raised questions about press freedom and journalists’ rights in India. It continues to be closely monitored by media and legal observers.
