The court pulled up the prosecution, stating that it had made some persons "scapegoats" because it was unable to apprehend "actual perpetrators".
Three northeastern states – Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura – are to see voting between February 16 and 27.
The ground report from Srinagar's Lal Chowk unveils the mood of the day.
'Authorities must immediately restore full and unrestricted access to the documentary and withdraw regulations under the IT Act that imperil press freedom and freedom of expression online,” the Committee to Protect Journalists said.
"At this time of crisis for our country, where public attention is systematically diverted from people's issues, the Bharat Jodo Yatra has emerged as a powerful voice," said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in a letter sent to 21 parties.
There has only been “marginal improvement” in air quality in polluted cities despite funds worth almost Rs 6,900 crore being pumped in over four years under the National Clean Air Programme.