New Delhi, NewsClick’s human resources department head, Amit Chakravarty, has withdrawn his petition from the Indian Supreme Court challenging his arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Chakravarty’s decision came after a recent Delhi court ruling, which permitted him to become an approver in the case filed against the news portal. The case involves accusations of NewsClick receiving funds for disseminating pro-China propaganda.
The withdrawal of the plea is a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings involving NewsClick. Earlier this month, the separate petitions filed by both Chakravarty and NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha were scheduled for a hearing before a bench led by Justice B R Gavai. These petitions challenged their arrests under the stringent anti-terror law.
The UAPA, a controversial law in India, has been at the center of many legal debates, particularly concerning its application in cases involving journalists and media organizations. The outcome of this case is likely to have broader implications for press freedom and the use of anti-terror legislation in India.