New Delhi: Former Union finance minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram praised the Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the arrest of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, declaring it a victory for justice.
"NewsClick founder was arrested on October 3, 2023. The Supreme Court ruled today that his arrest was illegal. Justice will ultimately triumph and it has today," Mr. Chidambaram stated in a post on X on Wednesday.
He further questioned, "Who will be held responsible for the illegal arrest? Who will pay the penalty for depriving the journalist of his freedom for over seven months?"
Supreme Court Declares Arrest Invalid
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court declared the arrest and subsequent remand of NewsClick founder and Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha invalid. Mr. Purkayastha was arrested by Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on October 3, 2023. The Court ordered his release, contingent upon furnishing surety and a bail bond.
The bench noted that Mr. Purkayastha was not provided with a copy of the remand application or the grounds for his arrest, which violated principles of natural justice.
"A copy of the remand application was not provided to the appellant. This vitiates the arrest of the appellant... Though we would have released him without surety, since the chargesheet has been filed, we release him with surety and a bail bond," the top court declared.
Background of the Case
Mr. Purkayastha had been in custody since October 3 of the previous year under the UAPA, over allegations of receiving Chinese funds to propagate anti-national propaganda. The FIR alleged that significant funding to the news portal came from China with the intent to "disrupt the sovereignty of India" and incite disaffection against the country.
Chidambaram's Criticism and Call for Accountability
In his response, P. Chidambaram not only celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision but also demanded accountability for the wrongful arrest. He highlighted the injustice faced by Mr. Purkayastha and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant moment for journalistic freedom and the protection of legal rights. As Prabir Purkayastha is set to be released, the case underscores the importance of adhering to legal processes and the principles of natural justice. The judgment serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding individual rights against unlawful state actions.
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