The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Prabir Purkayastha, founder and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, in connection with allegations of receiving foreign funds to promote pro-China propaganda. The relief also extends to a related money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna pronounced the order on Purkayastha’s bail applications. The court also extended similar relief to NewsClick director Pranjal Pandey in a case registered by the Delhi Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW).
While the detailed order is awaited, the decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case involving media ethics, foreign funding, and national security concerns.
In 2021, both Purkayastha and Pandey were granted interim protection from arrest in connection with the same cases.
According to the EOW, PPK NewsClick Studio Pvt Ltd allegedly received foreign direct investment (FDI) of ₹9.59 crore from a US-based entity, Worldwide Media Holdings LLC, during the financial year 2018–19. Authorities claim the investment violated Indian FDI laws.
The ED is separately investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), alleging that the funds were used to disseminate content aligned with foreign interests.
