New Delhi, The Delhi High Court is currently deliberating on the bail plea of Amit Chakravarty, the Human Resources head at NewsClick, in connection with a case filed under the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to Kashmir Media Service, the case against the media outlet, which includes accusations of disseminating pro-China content in exchange for funds, has drawn significant attention. Chakravarty, who was previously allowed by Delhi’s Patiala House Court on January 9 to become an approver in the case, remains under judicial custody along with NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha until February 17.

The Delhi Police sought a 60-day extension for their investigation on December 22, citing the extensive nature of the evidence and the need to conduct inquiries outside Delhi, which was granted by the court. This development comes in the backdrop of an FIR lodged by the Special Cell on August 17, 2023, under various sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code against NewsClick.

Observers have voiced concerns over what they perceive as the targeting of NewsClick for its investigative journalism and criticism of the government’s policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The allegations of spreading pro-China propaganda have thus been seen by some as having political motivations.

Despite Chakravarty’s cooperation as an approver in the investigation, the ongoing custody without a charge sheet being filed has raised questions regarding the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process. The trial court’s decision to extend the judicial custody of Chakravarty and Purkayastha until February 17 only adds to these concerns, highlighting the complex intersection of media freedom, legal proceedings, and political discourse in India.