NewsClick HR head seeks pardon as approver in the UAPA case

The HR head of NewsClick has filed an application to become an approver. Amit Chakravarty recorded his statement and filed his plea in Delhi's Patiala House Court, seeking a pardon in exchange for providing "material information" about the case. However, it remains undecided whether the agency will support his plea.

Amit Chakravarty, the HR head and NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha were arrested on October 3, charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and are currently held in Delhi's Tihar Jail. The court recently dismissed Purkayastha's plea to release electronic devices seized in police raids.A New York Times report alleged that NewsClick received significant funds from organizations linked to Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire reportedly associated with Chinese state-run media.

The Delhi Police have claimed that the funds were routed from China “to criticize domestic policies in a circuitous manner.” NewsClick is accused of violating FDI laws by receiving ₹9.59 crore in funding from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC in 2018/19. In November, Purkayastha argued in the Delhi High Court that the criminal cases were meant to stifle independent reporting and emphasized the legitimate origin of the funds.

The Enforcement Directorate summoned Singham for questioning after a Letter Rogatory was issued to Chinese courts, as direct summons were refused by Chinese authorities. Singham, named an accused by the ED, has also denied all charges. The investigation began after Delhi Police's October raids.