New Delhi, June 10: The Delhi High Court has quashed proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against digital news platform NewsClick and its founder-editor, Prabir Purkayastha.

The case stemmed from allegations relating to foreign funding received by NewsClick. The Enforcement Directorate had alleged financial irregularities and possible violations of applicable laws. NewsClick and its management consistently denied the allegations and maintained that all funding transactions were lawful.

According to reports, the High Court found insufficient legal grounds to continue the PMLA proceedings and ordered that the case be set aside. The detailed implications of the ruling will depend on the contents of the court’s order and any further legal proceedings that may follow.

The matter has attracted significant public attention over the past few years due to its association with a media organisation and broader discussions concerning investigative powers and freedom of expression.

The ruling follows earlier legal developments involving Prabir Purkayastha. In 2024, the Supreme Court granted relief in a related matter after examining procedural aspects of his arrest.

Legal observers note that court rulings in such cases underscore the importance of adherence to due process and statutory requirements during investigations. At the same time, the judgment may contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the balance between regulatory enforcement, national security concerns and constitutional freedoms.

The Enforcement Directorate may review the judgment and consider available legal remedies, including an appeal before the Supreme Court. Any further proceedings will be subject to judicial review and applicable legal processes.

As of now, the Delhi High Court’s order remains operative