NewsClick’s HR head Amit Chakraborty on Monday withdrew from the Supreme Court his special leave petition (SLP) challenging his arrest and police remand for alleged offences under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, a move that comes amid his decision to turn an “approver” for the Delhi police in the case.

A bench of Justices B.R. Gavai, Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta allowed Chakraborty’s plea for the withdrawal of the SLP made through his counsel without citing any specific reason.

Now, only the appeal filed by NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha will be heard on January 30.

When the matter came up for hearing, additional solicitor-general S.V. Raju, appearing for Delhi police through video-conferencing, told the bench that the prosecution had no objection to the withdrawal of the SLP. “Let him withdraw the appeal, we have no objection,” Raju told the court.

Sections 306 and 307 of the CrPC provide an opportunity to an accused to become an “approver” or a witness for the prosecution. In such an event, the court can either grant a full “pardon” or a lesser punishment to the approver.