Software engineer Prashanth Nair, who is having an office Valentine party, says, “At least nobody can stop us from dancing, singing or partying late into the night. It will be safe security-wise too.”

College student Sonalika Bajaj is also heading for a private party. Says she, “I care a damn about this deadline.

We are going to a friend’s place after partying at a club in the City. Private parties are a safer option. There will be no cops to harass or manhandle you. I want to say one thing to our government. Keep up the good job. We are going the Afghan way and we call ourselves the biggest democracy!”

Reveller Ratan is extremely unhappy over the mellow Valentine this year. “We can’t dance. We can’t party. This is worse than Taliban. If we get beaten up by the cops on Valentine, I will have no respect for our government. This is the day to celebrate love and not get harassed by cops. Small cities like Aurangabad, Pune and Indore have a deadline of 1.30 am. Then why not Bangalore which claims to be a metro,” he argues vociferously.

However, college student Poonam Taneja (name changed) welcomed the deadline, only for Valentine’s Day though. She explains, “I am against the dancing ban but not the party deadline restriction. My parents will be happy and my boyfriend will not be upset for leaving him mid-way. I will leave at 10.30 pm itself to avoid any insulting cop encounters.”