Mumbai, Jan. 5 -- Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan criticised the prolonged incarceration of activists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on Monday.

Commenting on the denial of bail by the Supreme Court, Chavan said, "The government must file a charge sheet, start the trial and give both the accused persons a chance to defend themselves." He emphasised that protest is a fundamental right under the Constitution."

"There is a difference between a terrorist carrying out a Pahalgam-type attack and people protesting against government policy on the streets. You are not going to distinguish between the two. I mean, there is no freedom of speech left in the country. File a charge...