Key Facts
The Delhi High Court on Saturday (June 13, 2026) quashed the first information report (FIR) and the subsequent Enforcement Directorate (ED) case against the news portal NewsClick and its founding editor Prabir Purkayastha. The court observed that the proceedings were a gross abuse of the process of law and an arbitrary attack on free and impartial journalism.
Court's Observations
Justice [Name] of the Delhi High Court stated that the cases filed against NewsClick and Mr. Purkayastha were “a gross abuse of the process of law and is hereby, quashed.” The court further noted that the proceedings were not only baseless but also constituted an arbitrary attack and abuse of power on the petitioners' right to free and impartial journalism.
Press Club of India's Response
The Press Club of India (PCI) welcomed the verdict, stating that it vindicated what a large section of the media fraternity believed since the ED raids in October 2023: that a witch-hunt had been launched against NewsClick and Mr. Purkayastha for practising journalism that was inconvenient to the government. The PCI said the sole purpose of the enforcement action was to induce a chilling effect on the functioning of the free press and to hold it up as an example of consequences for anyone who dares to question the executive or the government.
Impact on Journalists
The PCI highlighted that the actions of the Delhi Police and the ED resulted in journalists working at NewsClick losing their jobs and valuable equipment, causing them acute financial distress. The club urged the government to refrain from such targeted persecution of journalists and the free press in the future.
Demand for Compensation
The PCI called upon the Press Council of India to initiate proceedings against those at whose behest the prosecution of NewsClick, Mr. Purkayastha, and journalists was carried out. It also demanded that those who suffered financial losses due to deprivation of livelihood and seizure of equipment be suitably compensated.
FAQ
What did the Delhi High Court rule in the NewsClick case?
The Delhi High Court quashed the FIR and the Enforcement Directorate's case against NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha, calling it a gross abuse of the process of law.
Why did the Press Club of India welcome the verdict?
The Press Club of India said the verdict vindicated the belief that a witch-hunt was launched against NewsClick for practising journalism inconvenient to the government, and that the enforcement action aimed to create a chilling effect on free press.
What compensation did the Press Club of India demand?
The PCI urged the Press Council of India to initiate proceedings against those who instigated the prosecution and to ensure compensation for journalists who suffered financial losses due to loss of livelihood and seizure of equipment.