A Delhi court has acquitted seven women accused of obscenity for dancing in a bar, ruling that wearing small clothes and performing is not a crime unless it offends public sentiment. The case was filed in March 2024 under IPC Section 294, alleging the women engaged in obscene acts. Judge Neetu Sharma reviewed CCTV footage and stated, “The accused did not wear revealing outfits or perform obscenely.” The verdict reaffirmed that dancing in bars is not illegal. The bar manager was also acquitted. The ruling highlights evolving perspectives on personal freedom and morality in India.

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, passed away at 83 after suffering a brain stroke. He was undergoing treatment at SGPGIMS Lucknow. A spiritual figure since age 20, Das played a key role in temple affairs, including relocating idols before the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. He recently celebrated the Pran Pratishtha anniversary. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had visited him in the hospital. Das was widely respected for his insights on religious matters and featured in the 2024 documentary The Battle of Ayodhya.

Mumbai Police questioned influencer Apoorva Mukhija after she arrived at Khar police station regarding Ranveer Allahbadia’s remarks on Samay Raina’s show, ‘India’s Got Latent.’ Allahbadia’s controversial statements led to an FIR, summoning 30 past guests. Assam Police also launched a probe into the case, targeting Allahbadia, Raina, Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, and Mukhija. The Maharashtra Cyber Department has registered complaints against 30-40 people linked to the show. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned Allahbadia and others, with a hearing scheduled for February 17. The controversy continues to escalate.

Lakhs of devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for Maghi Purnima, marking the fourth bathing event at Maha Kumbh 2025. The sacred bath also concludes the month-long Kalpavas, with 10 lakh Kalpvasis set to leave. Authorities enforced no-vehicle zones and deployed 1,200 additional buses to manage crowds. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath monitored the situation, extending wishes to devotees. “May Maa Ganga bless all,” he tweeted. Over 45 crore pilgrims have bathed at Sangam since January 13. The final Amrit Snan will take place on February 26.

Maharashtra cyber police have filed an FIR against podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, comedian Samay Raina, and 30 others for allegedly transmitting obscene content on Raina’s show India’s Got Latent. The case, registered under Section 67 of the IT Act, follows a similar FIR in Assam. Authorities, including the Maharashtra Women’s Commission, have called for action, urging a halt to the show’s telecast. Mumbai police have summoned Allahbadia, Raina, and other participants. Lawyers for Ashish Chanchalani and another artist appeared at Khar police station. Investigations into the controversial show are ongoing.

An IED blast, suspected to be planted by Pakistani terrorists, killed an Army captain and a soldier in Akhnoor sector, Jammu. Another soldier was seriously injured during a fence patrol. The White Knight Corps confirmed the casualties and launched search operations. The attack follows General Officer Commanding Navin Sachdeva’s review of security threats along the LoC in Rajouri. Intelligence reports indicate nearly 100 terrorists are present across the border. Pakistani terrorists have frequently used IEDs to target Indian forces. Security forces are on high alert, intensifying counter-terror operations in the region.

Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia and comedian Samay Raina have been summoned by Mumbai Police after multiple FIRs were filed over a viral video from the YouTube show India’s Got Latent. Allahbadia’s ‘crass’ joke sparked outrage, leading to Maharashtra Cyber Cell booking 30 people, including Ashish Chanchlani and Jaspreet Singh. The National Commission for Women and Parliament’s Standing Committee are also involved. Allahbadia apologized, admitting, “Comedy is not my forte.” Authorities have ordered the removal of related content. YouTube has since taken down the controversial video following government intervention.

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor sector killed 2 soldiers and critically injured another during an army patrol near the Line of Control (LOC) on Tuesday. The explosion occurred at 3:30 pm in Laleali, prompting a large-scale search operation. The injured soldier was airlifted to an Army Hospital and is now stable. The Indian Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the incident, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers. Additional troops have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further attacks. Authorities suspect terrorist involvement in the blast.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to respond within 15 days to a plea seeking verification of EVMs' burnt memory and symbol loading unit. The petition, filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), calls for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure transparency. “Please do not erase the data and reload it. Let someone just examine,” the court told the Election Commission. Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that an independent examination should confirm the integrity of EVM software and hardware. The court clarified that it does not seek interference in counting but aims to ensure no manipulation.

The Uttar Pradesh administration has banned all vehicles in Prayagraj from 5 PM today until February 12 due to the massive influx of pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh. Over 44.74 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at Triveni Sangam so far. UP DGP Prashant Kumar said the gathering has stretched city infrastructure beyond its limits. CM Yogi Adityanath deployed additional officers to manage the crowd, while Akhilesh Yadav criticized the situation, calling it a "house arrest" for residents. The restrictions follow a 300-km traffic jam.