The
Delhi High Court on Monday reserved order on pleas by NewsClick founder Prabir
Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty challenging
their arrest and police custody in a case lodged under anti-terror law Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Counsel
appearing for Purkayastha and Chakravarty contended that their arrest and
remand cannot be sustained on several legal counts, including that the grounds
of arrest were not supplied to them at the time of arrest and the remand order
was passed by the trial court in a mechanical manner, in the absence of their
lawyers.
The
pleas were opposed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of
the police, on grounds that the case pertains to serious offences and the
arrest was legal as per textual requirements of UAPA.
Arguments
heard. Order reserved, said Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
Purkayastha
and Chakravarty, who were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on
October 3, had moved the high court last week challenging their arrest and
subsequent seven-day police custody and sought immediate release as an interim
relief.
Purkayastha
and Chakravarty were ordered to be in police custody till October 11 by trial
court. Police have sealed the NewsClick's office in Delhi.
The
portal has been accused of receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda.
According
to the FIR, a large amount of funds to the news portal came from China to
"disrupt the sovereignty of India" and cause disaffection against the
country.
It also alleged Purkayastha conspired with a group -- People's Alliance
for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) -- to sabotage the electoral process during
the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.