SC Dismisses Arrest Plea Against Journalist Charged of Spying for Chinese Intelligence

The Supreme Court dismissed a Delhi police appeal challenging the bail granted to Journalist Rajeev Sharma, who was arrested on charges of spying for Chinese intelligence and possessing classified documents related to national security. The bench of Justice BM Trivedi and PB Varale dismissed the plea on April 4, seeking cancellation of the default bail grant to Sharma and also directed the trial to be expedited.

Matter At Hand

The Delhi High Court granted bail to Sharma on December 4, 2020, after the police failed to file a charge sheet within 60 days of the arrest. He was arrested on September 14, 2020, after being charged under the Official Secrets Act. This decision of the Delhi High Court was challenged before the Supreme Court by the Delhi police.

As per the prosecution, during the search of Sharma’s house, some sensitive or confidential documents related to the Indian defence department were recovered. Further investigations revealed that Sharma procured secret, confidential and sensitive documents/material information and communicated that to the Chinese intelligence officers. In return, the police alleged that Sharma was getting Hawala transactions of funds routed through Shell companies operated by Chinese nationals in Mahipalpur, Delhi. 

According to the Police, Sharma was in contact with Chinese officials named Michael, Xou and George through emails and media platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, et cetera.