News for 'caste-discrimination'

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Kerala Dalit Groups Call For Strike Over Student Death

Rediff.com2 days ago

Dalit organisations in Kerala have called for a state-wide strike to protest the death of Nithin Raj, a dental college student, alleging caste-based harassment and demanding a fair investigation.

Kerala dental college links student suicide to loan app, rejects caste bias

Kerala dental college links student suicide to loan app, rejects caste bias

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The management of Kannur Dental College has refuted allegations of caste discrimination in connection with the death of a BDS student, attributing the incident to issues related to a loan obtained through a mobile app.

Kannur Dental College: Student Death Not Due To Caste Bias

Kannur Dental College: Student Death Not Due To Caste Bias

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The management of Kannur Dental College has refuted allegations of caste discrimination in connection with the death of a BDS student, suggesting a loan taken through a mobile app was a contributing factor. Police are investigating the case, which involves allegations of abetment of suicide and violations of the SC/ST Act.

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com2 days ago

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation, alleging it has a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and excludes certain categories from institutional protection.

MP horror: Dalit groom with disability attacked for riding horse; 4 held

MP horror: Dalit groom with disability attacked for riding horse; 4 held

Rediff.com6 days ago

A Dalit groom with a physical disability was assaulted and subjected to casteist abuses for riding a horse during his wedding ceremony in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district.

Kannur Dental College Under Investigation Following Student Suicide Allegations

Kannur Dental College Under Investigation Following Student Suicide Allegations

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kannur, Kerala, have launched an investigation into Kannur Dental College following the death of a first-year student, Nithin Raj RL, who allegedly died by suicide after facing emotional harassment from faculty members. The college has suspended two faculty members and is cooperating with the police investigation.

Dalit Man Tries Self-Immolation After Casteist Attack

Dalit Man Tries Self-Immolation After Casteist Attack

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A Dalit man in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, attempted self-immolation after allegedly being assaulted and subjected to casteist slurs by an influential local man. The accused has been arrested, and the victim is in critical condition.

Dalit Council Seeks Rs 10 Cr Compensation In Kerala Student Death Case

Dalit Council Seeks Rs 10 Cr Compensation In Kerala Student Death Case

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Dalit organisations in Kerala are demanding compensation and a High Court-monitored probe into the death of a BDS student, alleging 'institutional murder' and caste-based harassment.

Youth League Protest Over Dalit Student Death Turns Violent

Youth League Protest Over Dalit Student Death Turns Violent

Rediff.com7 days ago

Youth League activists clashed with police during a protest march at a dental college in Kerala over the death of a Dalit student. The protest was triggered by allegations of harassment and demands for action against faculty members.

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Maharashtra's Governor and Chief Minister, along with other state leaders, paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, recognising his profound impact on social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution.

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran has accused the party of engaging in caste-based campaigning in the Ambalapuzha constituency, leading to a heated exchange with party officials.

Kerala CM Condemns Student Suicide, Promises Action Against Harassment

Kerala CM Condemns Student Suicide, Promises Action Against Harassment

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student in Kerala has sparked outrage and prompted investigations into claims of caste-based harassment. The Chief Minister has condemned the incident, and various organisations are offering support to the student's family and calling for measures to prevent future occurrences.

Kannur Dental College Faces Probe After Student's Alleged Suicide

Kannur Dental College Faces Probe After Student's Alleged Suicide

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Police in Kannur, Kerala, have launched an investigation into Kannur Dental College following the death of a first-year student, Nithin Raj R L, who allegedly died by suicide after facing emotional harassment from faculty members. The investigation includes allegations of caste-based discrimination and threats of academic repercussions.

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.

Five Convicted, 35 Acquitted in 2016 Una Dalit Flogging Case

Five Convicted, 35 Acquitted in 2016 Una Dalit Flogging Case

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A special court in Veraval, Gujarat, has convicted five individuals and acquitted 35 others in the 2016 Una flogging case, where four Dalit men were thrashed for skinning a cow carcass, sparking nationwide protests.

Karnataka govt opens salon after Dalits denied haircuts

Karnataka govt opens salon after Dalits denied haircuts

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The Karnataka government intervened to open a salon in Shingatalur village after Dalits were allegedly denied haircuts by upper-caste residents due to discriminatory practices.

Maharashtra's Saundala village declares itself 'caste-free'

Maharashtra's Saundala village declares itself 'caste-free'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Saundala village in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district has passed a resolution declaring itself 'caste-free' to eliminate discrimination and promote equality.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Students body stages protest over 'caste discrimination' at IIM-B

Students body stages protest over 'caste discrimination' at IIM-B

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

A group of people staged a protest on Wednesday against alleged "caste discrimination" at the Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru (IIM-B), demanding the removal of its director. However, IIM Bangalore denied the allegations made by the protesters.

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Why UGC's New Equity Rules Finally Have Teeth

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'What has changed is that the new regulations are backed by a clear enforcement framework. They have real consequences and, for the first time, make compliance unavoidable.'

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

California Senate passes bill banning caste discrimination

Rediff.com12 May 2023

Promoters of the bill, being led by non-profit Equality Lab, said that a similar bill is being introduced in the State House of Representatives, before it can be sent to the Governor to be signed into a law.

Why RSS Must Choose Bharatiyata Over Hindutva

Why RSS Must Choose Bharatiyata Over Hindutva

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The future of India will be shaped and decided by the choices the RSS makes now, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

UP govt bans caste-based rallies

UP govt bans caste-based rallies

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the immediate removal of all caste references from police records and public notices, bans caste-based rallies, and monitors social media content promoting caste pride or hatred.

Student alleges caste bias by Pune Univ cost him UK job

Student alleges caste bias by Pune Univ cost him UK job

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

A Pune college refutes allegations of caste bias by a former student who claimed the college withheld job verification, leading to job loss. The college clarifies it sent the document and the student did not lose his job.

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

'Make caste discrimination in schools and colleges a crime'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2023

'The government should immediately enact an Act to make caste discrimination a criminal offence and lay down a procedure similar to that of the Anti-Ragging Act.' 'Ragging has nearly been eliminated because it is treated as a criminal offence.' 'Similar procedure should be used in case of caste discrimination.'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

What Magic S D Burman Created With Bimal Roy!

What Magic S D Burman Created With Bimal Roy!

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Can anyone forget S D Burman's classic songs in Devdas, Sujata and Bandini?

Seattle first US city to ban caste discrimination but not everyone is happy

Seattle first US city to ban caste discrimination but not everyone is happy

Rediff.com22 Feb 2023

Seattle has become the first US city to outlaw caste discrimination after its local council passed a resolution, moved by an Indian-American politician and economist, to add caste to its non-discrimination policy.

Fight against caste discrimination cannot be won overnight: SC

Fight against caste discrimination cannot be won overnight: SC

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the fight against caste-based discrimination was not a battle that can be won overnight and it requires sustained effort, dedication, and the willingness to confront and challenge societal norms that perpetuate inequality.

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

California governor vetoes anti-caste discrimination bill

Rediff.com8 Oct 2023

The governor's move has been welcomed by a large segment of the Indian-American community who were opposing the bill.

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

'I'm Really Proud To Be A Brahmin'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'So my question was, 'What is it that you are proud of? What have you achieved? What is your contribution?' 'He had no answer.'

Caste discrimination exists in India: ILO

Caste discrimination exists in India: ILO

Rediff.com14 May 2007

The latest evidence that caste discrimination in the country is alive and kicking in the country is a report by the International Labour Organisation.

K'taka to conduct fresh caste census in Sep-Oct; to map wealth, land data

K'taka to conduct fresh caste census in Sep-Oct; to map wealth, land data

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Karnataka government will conduct a new 'Social and Educational survey', popularly known as 'caste census', in the state for 15 days, from September 22 to October 7. The survey aims to eliminate caste discrimination and gather data on financial status and land ownership.

Kerala student activist, scribe held in Nagpur for 'planning to attack India

Kerala student activist, scribe held in Nagpur for 'planning to attack India

Rediff.com8 May 2025

A student activist and "independent journalist" from Kerala, Rejaz M. Sheeba Sydeek, has been arrested in Nagpur for allegedly "preparing to wage war against the Government of India." The arrest was made after Sydeek allegedly condemned Operation Sindoor, an Indian Armed Forces operation against terror targets in Pakistan, and criticized operations against Naxalites on his Instagram account. Police found a book about professor G N Saibaba, who faced trial for alleged links with Naxalism, and another about Marxism-Leninism in Sydeek's bag. An English letter seized from his possession appeared to criticize the Indian government for anti-Naxal operations and called for "peace talks between the Indian state and the (banned) CPI (Maoist)".

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

'Caste Census Will Divide People'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'They are going to create so many nations within one nation.' 'If you do this exercise without a clear vision, it will have far reaching repercussions. It will end up in disaster and that will be dangerous.'

Consulate in Seattle accused of denying visa to PIO activist

Consulate in Seattle accused of denying visa to PIO activist

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Consulate General of India in Seattle was forced to deal with a law and order situation after certain individuals entered the premises unauthorized and engaged in aggressive and threatening behavior with the Consulate staff over alleged denial of visa to one of them. Former Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant was among those who entered the Consulate and refused to leave, alleging she was denied a visa because her name was on a "reject list." Sawant claims the denial is retaliation for her office passing a resolution condemning the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and for her efforts to ban caste discrimination in Seattle.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

'Why Has Maharashtra Become So Cruel?'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'What attitude has spawned such gruesomeness in the state of Saint Tukaram, Saint Dnyaneshwar, and great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Chhatrapati Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar?'

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

The Silent Crisis of Student Suicides

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

What is pushing students to take this extreme step?