Journalist Rajeev Sharma, arrested under the Official Secrets Act, granted bail by Delhi High Court

Sharma had been arrested in September for allegedly passing Indian defence information to China.

WrittenBy:NL Team
Date:
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The Delhi High Court granted bail to freelance journalist Rajeev Sharma on Friday, reported ANI. He was arrested under the Official Secrets Act on September 14 by the Delhi police’s special cell.

Sharma was arrested on charges of allegedly selling Indian defence secrets to China, and was sent to Tihar jail. If found guilty, he could be imprisoned for up to 10 years.

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Sharma's bail plea was denied in November with the court saying that "actions which involve helping an enemy State against India are strongly condemned".

Earlier, Sharma's counsel had said that after the arrest, a copy of the FIR had not been shared with Sharma or even the court until 11 days later. His arrest was also condemned by the Press Club of India, which called it "high-handed" and possibly "inspired by obscure or questionable considerations". Read Newslaundry's detailed report here.

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