Delhi High Court grants anticipatory bail to NewsClick's Prabir Purkayastha in money laundering case

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha in the money laundering case initiated against him by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in relation to funds received from foreign countries.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also granted him anticipatory bail in the case registered by Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police, which formed the basis of the ED's probe.

Back in February 2021, the ED had raided the homes and offices of the Newsclick founder and employees. The raids lasted for more than four days whilst Purkayastha was detained at home.

Among the allegations made against NewsClick are overvaluing of shares, diverting funds and violation of foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations.

Following this, NewsClick moved the Delhi High Court for directions to the ED to issue a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR). It also sought protection from any form of coercive action in the meantime.

The Court had directed no coercive action against Purkayastha in June 2021.