The district administration of Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh has issued notices to local leaders associated with the protests against the new farm laws, asking them to sign a personal bond of Rs. 2 lakh to “ensure peace” is maintained in the jurisdiction. Former Rashtriya Lok Dal MLA Veerpal Singh Rathi told he and six others received notices a day before they participated in a Mahapanchayat at Baraut tehsil on January 31, where it was decided that farmers from the region should move to the Ghazipur and Singhu borders to join the agitation. The notice issued to Rathi asked him to sign a personal bond worth Rs. 2 lakh and hand over two sureties of the same amount for one year to “maintain peace”. Baraut Station House Officer Ajay Kumar Sharma said the bonds were sent to Rathi and others be...

The police in Bihar have issued an order saying those participating in violent protests and demonstrations will find it difficult to get government jobs or passports. The order said that they would also not be given loans of grants from the government. The Indian Express reported that participation in protests would affect police verification for nine services. They include passport, character certificate, contractual jobs in government, work contracts in government departments, boards and commissions, licenses for petrol pump and gas agency, passports, government grant, bank loans. According to the directive said that the "criminal act" of participating in a "law and order situation" would result in mention of it in their character certificate. India Today quoted the directive...

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed the entry and exit gates at several metro stations, mainly in north and central Delhi, ahead of a three-hour “chakka jam” across the country by the protesting farmers. The entry and exit gates of Mandi House, ITO, Delhi Gate, Vishwavidyalaya, Red Fort, Jamia Masjid, Janpath,Central Secretariat, Khan Market and Nehru Place are closed as a precautionary measure due to the protests against the new agriculture laws. Extra security has been deployed and barricades have been strengthened, which may potentially lead to traffic congestion on many key Delhi roads. Extensive measures have been undertaken at the Ghazipur border point with even water cannon vehicles deployed. Forces have been deployed in Red Fort areas and ITO. However, th...

A woman lawyer smeared black paint on the face of Kannada writer and rationalist KS Bhagwan’s face. The incident happened inside the City Civil Court Complex near Mysore Bank Circle on Thursday, according to a report by Times of India. The incident took place soon after the 76-year-old writer stepped out of a court hall and walked towards the entrance when advocate Meera Raghavendra blocked his path and blackened his face. “You’ve grown so old and yet you abuse god and religion. Shame on you,” she shouted after the incident. Bhagwan immediately asked police accompanying him to arrest her. As cops walked towards Meera, she said, “Arrest me. I’m ready for everything.” As male cops announced they have to detain her for the act, Meera asked them to send women police to detain her before ...