Watch: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud questions prolonged incarceration in Umar Khalid case | Lit for Life 2026

At The Hindu Lit for Life 2026, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud responds to a question on free speech, national security and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, referring to the cases of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. He reflects on the presumption of innocence, the right to a speedy trial, and whether speech alone can be treated as terrorism. Emphasising judicial scrutiny even in national security cases, he warns against undertrial incarceration becoming a form of punishment.