New Delhi, Jan. 5 -- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday criticised the Supreme Court's decision to deny bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, saying the continued incarceration of the two under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for over five years without trial or conviction "violates principles of natural justice."

In a post on X, the CPI (M) said prolonged pre-trial detention undermines the constitutional right to liberty and a speedy trial, reiterating that "bail is the rule, not jail."

The party described the UAPA as a "draconian" law and alleged that it was used to target dissenting voices.

"The Supreme Court's denial of bail to #UmarKhalid and #SharjeelImam, who have spent over five years in jail unde...