NCP chief Sharad Pawar criticized Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena's recent decision to prosecute author Arundhati Roy under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for an alleged provocative speech made 14 years ago. The NCP chief described the move as a "misuse of power" during a joint press conference with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan. Along with Roy, former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain has also been named in the FIR for the controversial conference which allegedly advocated for the separation of Kashmir from India.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor has given approval for the prosecution of acclaimed author Arundhati Roy and former Central University of Kashmir professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain for allegedly making provocative speeches at an event in New Delhi back in 2010. The FIR against them was registered following a complaint made by a social activist, who accused them of discussing and promoting the separation of Kashmir from India.