According to a notification issued on October 30, advocates Akhand Pratap Singh and Suraj Rathi will represent the Delhi Police as SPPs before the trial court in the case registered by the Special Cell.
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena has given his approval for the appointment of two Special Public Prosecutors (SPPs) to represent the Delhi Police in the case against NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, its HR head Amit Chakraborty, and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
As per an announcement made on October 30, lawyers Akhand Pratap Singh and Suraj Rathi will serve as Special Public Prosecutors for the Delhi Police in the Special Cell case, as per the notification issued by the Delhi Home Department on behalf of the Delhi LG. This appointment is made in accordance with the powers granted under section 24 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
The notification also outlines the proposed remuneration for their services, covering hearings, drafting petitions, and consultations.
Regarding the case against NewsClick, the FIR alleges that the accused “illegally received” and utilized substantial foreign funds with the intent to “disrupt the sovereignty, unity, and security of India.” Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty were arrested on October 3 following investigations prompted by allegations in a New York Times article that NewsClick was involved in promoting Chinese propaganda. The accused are currently in judicial custody.
On October 13, the Delhi High Court upheld the police remand for Purkayastha and Chakraborty. They have contested this decision in the Supreme Court, which, on October 19, sought a response from the Delhi Police.
