Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Delhi HC Grants Bail to NewsClick Founder Purkayastha, Pandey
Imagine a news website, NewsClick, and its boss, Prabir Purkayastha, got into trouble.
They were accused of getting money from foreign companies in a way that might break the rules.
The government investigated, and the court decided Purkayastha and another director could be free while the investigation continued, which is called 'anticipatory bail.'
The court felt it was taking too long to finish the investigation.
The court said that since they had not been called in for questioning since 2023, and are presumed innocent, they could go free.
The court also emphasized the importance of everyone being treated fairly.
Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and director Pranjal Pandey.
Purkayastha was granted bail in cases concerning foreign funding and money laundering.
The court cited 'prolonged investigations' by probe agencies as a factor in granting bail.
The cases against Purkayastha and Pandey involve allegations of misuse of funds and violating RBI rules.
The court emphasized the importance of personal liberty and the presumption of innocence.
- Who
- Prabir Purkayastha, founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, and Pranjal Pandey, NewsClick director.
- What
- Delhi High Court granted anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder and editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and director Pranjal Pandey in separate cases.
- When
- The order was pronounced on Wednesday, July 23.
- Where
- Delhi High Court.
- Why
- The court cited the 'prolonged investigations' as the reason for granting bail, also taking into account the nature of the evidence, and the importance of personal liberty.
Arguments Against Bail
Arguments For Bail
Risk of Tampering
Arguments Against Bail
Authorities may argue the need to keep the accused in custody to prevent tampering with evidence.
Arguments For Bail
The court found that since evidence is documentary in nature and no tampering is likely, bail is appropriate.
Influence of Witnesses
Arguments Against Bail
Government agencies may believe the accused could influence witnesses or obstruct the investigation.
Arguments For Bail
The court dismissed this concern, by giving bail, noting that there is no likelihood of influencing the witnesses.
- Accused
- Prabir Purkayastha and Pranjal Pandey
- Cases
- Foreign funding and money laundering
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Bail Type
- Anticipatory
- Allegations
- Misuse of funds from foreign companies and violating RBI rules
- Company
- NewsClick