The Supreme Court has issued notice to NewsClick and its founder Prabir Purkayastha on the Enforcement Directorate’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to quash the money-laundering proceedings against them. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, sought their responses and directed that the matter be listed after four weeks.
The case arose from allegations concerning approximately ₹9.59 crore in foreign investment received by PPK NewsClick Studio Pvt. Ltd. from US-based Worldwide Media Holdings LLC in 2018. Investigating agencies alleged irregularities in share valuation and violations of foreign investment regulations.
The Delhi High Court had quashed the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) FIR and the consequential proceedings initiated by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
During the hearing, the ED informed the Bench that Delhi Police was also preparing to challenge the High Court's decision before the Supreme Court.
The Delhi High Court had earlier observed that the ED's allegation regarding the existence of a scheduled offence was "totally misconceived and baseless." It further held that continuing the FIR amounted to "a gross abuse of the process of law."
The ED's counsel sought additional time, informing the Bench that the police challenge was also being prepared.
The Supreme Court issued notice to NewsClick and Prabir Purkayastha, seeking their response to the ED's challenge.
The Bench directed that the matter be listed after four weeks.
