The Supreme Court intervened Wednesday, mandating the release of NewsClick founder-editor Prabir Purkayastha. His arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was deemed invalid as written grounds were not provided before his remand, clarifying the judiciary's stance on procedural integrity.

Purkayastha's detainment, along with NewsClick's HR head Amit Chakraborty, stemmed from an investigation by the Delhi Police Special Cell in October last year. Allegations arose following a report in The New York Times implicating NewsClick's ties to US billionaire Neville Roy Singham, accused of spreading Chinese propaganda in India and abroad. Chakraborty later became an approver in the case, leading to a chargesheet filed by the Delhi Police in March.

The apex court's decision stemmed from the precedent set by the Pankaj Bansal case, wherein the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was mandated to furnish written grounds of arrest upon apprehension. Upholding procedural fairness, the court emphasized the necessity of transparency in legal proceedings, reaffirming the rights of the accused.

The Delhi High Court's prior rejection of the petitioners' plea highlighted discrepancies in the application of UAPA provisions. While the act does not explicitly require written grounds of arrest, the court deemed it advisable for police to provide such documentation, especially in sensitive cases.

NewsClick vehemently refuted the allegations outlined in the chargesheet, labeling them as baseless and fabricated. The news outlet remains committed to challenging these assertions in court, emphasizing its dedication to journalistic integrity and due process.

With the Supreme Court's intervention, Purkayastha's release underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding fundamental rights and ensuring the fair administration of justice. As the case progresses, scrutiny over the application of UAPA provisions and the protection of individual liberties remains paramount, reaffirming the judiciary's role as a bulwark against arbitrary action.