The Delhi High Court has ordered the release of NewsClick HR head Amit Chakraborty, who sought bail after turning approver in the UAPA case against the portal, LiveLaw reported.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order allowing Chakraborty’s plea seeking his release in the case.
“Therefore, having considered the facts and circumstances of the case, the no objection of the prosecution in releasing the petitioner from custody, as well as the medical condition of the petitioner, this court directs that the petitioner herein be released on his furnishing a personal bond in the sum of Rs. 25,000 with one surety of the like amount, subject to the satisfaction of concerned trial court,” the court said, according to LiveLaw.
It observed that given the extent of his disability and dependence on a wheelchair, it was evident that Chakraborty faces obstacles in carrying out even basic activities.
“The petitioner’s medical condition warrants special consideration and calls for a humane and understanding approach to his situation. In cases where an individual's physical disability significantly affects his well-being and daily functioning, the Court must acknowledge its responsibility to intervene judiciously and consider the possibility of relief or release from custody if the same is permissible under law,” Justice Sharma said.
NewsClick’s founder Prabir Purkayastha and Chakraborty were arrested in October last year.
Last week, there were a flurry of news reports on the Delhi police’s chargesheet against NewsClick. Running into 8,000 pages, the chargesheet levels a wild range of accusations against NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha including funding terrorism, inciting protests, and having Maoist links.
NewsClick has repeatedly denied the charges against it. It published a detailed statement rejecting the “absurd, baseless allegations” in the chargesheet. It noted that many media reports on the chargesheet were published without seeking NewsClick’s response.
Newslaundry has reported on the case against NewsClick from the start. See a timeline of events here and the rest of our reportage here.
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