The Delhi High Court on Wednesday quashed the First Information Report (FIR) and the subsequent Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation against NewsClick and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha. The FIR was registered in August 2020 based on a complaint forwarded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Background of the Case
The complaint alleged that NewsClick had violated foreign funding norms and engaged in activities prejudicial to national security. The ED had initiated a money laundering probe based on the FIR. However, the High Court, in its ruling, found no substantial evidence to support the allegations.
Court's Observations
Justice Sanjeev Narula, while delivering the judgment, noted that the complaint lacked concrete material to justify the continuation of the investigation. The court observed that the Ministry's referral was based on generalized assertions without specific instances of wrongdoing. The judge also remarked that the prolonged probe had caused undue harassment to the media organization and its founder.
The court further stated that the right to freedom of speech and press under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution cannot be curtailed without compelling reasons. Quashing the FIR, the High Court directed that all proceedings arising from the complaint stand terminated.
Reactions
Prabir Purkayastha welcomed the verdict, calling it a victory for press freedom. He stated that the case was an attempt to silence critical journalism. Legal experts have hailed the judgment as a significant check on the misuse of investigative agencies against media houses.
The ED has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, supporters of NewsClick have expressed relief, hoping this ruling will deter similar actions against independent media outlets.
