Rush Hour: SC protects journalist Abhisar Sharma from arrest, US proposes new visa rules and more

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The Supreme Court has granted journalist Abhisar Sharma interim protection from arrest for four weeks in the case against him for accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of engaging in communal politics. But the bench refused to quash the first information report against him and instead directed Sharma to approach the Gauahati High Court.

Sharma had been booked on August 21 under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections pertaining to acts endangering national unity and sovereignty, promoting enmity between groups and making assertions prejudicial to national integration.

In his petition, the journalist said that the case misuses legal provisions to silence dissent and curb press freedom. He also told the court that his remarks were supported by verifiable facts, including video clips of speeches made by the Assam chief minister. Read more.

The Donald Trump administration has proposed limiting the length of stay in the United States for international students, cultural exchange visitors and journalists. The changes aim to curb “visa abuse” and increase the “Department of Homeland Security’s ability to properly vet and oversee these individuals”.

The proposed regulations would require visa holders to apply for extensions...

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