News for 'free-speech'

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

UK-Based Doctor Claims FIR is Attempt to Criminalise Political Speech

UK-Based Doctor Claims FIR is Attempt to Criminalise Political Speech

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

A UK-based doctor, Sangram Patil, is challenging an FIR filed against him in India for alleged objectionable remarks against BJP leaders, claiming it's an attempt to criminalise political speech and dissent.

White House Unveils AI Framework to Protect Children and Promote Innovation

White House Unveils AI Framework to Protect Children and Promote Innovation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The White House has released a framework for artificial intelligence, focusing on empowering parents to manage their children's digital environment and advocating for federal leadership to promote innovation and address policy challenges.

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan stated that criticism of the existing legal system should be viewed as a suggestion for improvement rather than a condemnation. He highlighted the importance of addressing shortcomings to elevate the system and urged law firms to adopt a global perspective on legal education. He also emphasised the need for human oversight in technology and addressing the issue of pendency in the legal system.

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Leading Bangladeshi newspapers report increasing threats to media freedom following attacks on newspaper offices, raising concerns about journalists' safety and freedom of expression.

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

HC questions DU's blanket ban on campus protests, seeks explanation

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Delhi High Court has questioned the blanket ban on protests and demonstrations on the Delhi University campus, seeking justification from the university and Delhi Police. The court acknowledged the need for balance but emphasized that a complete prohibition is likely untenable.

Satire should be protected in personality rights cases, X tells HC

Satire should be protected in personality rights cases, X tells HC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Social media platform X argues that satire, fair comment, and public speech should be protected from takedown orders in personality rights cases during a Delhi High Court hearing involving Baba Ramdev's lawsuit.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

The Golden Globes 2026 Watchlist On OTT

The Golden Globes 2026 Watchlist On OTT

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Missed any of the 2026 Golden Globe-winning movies or series? Namrata Thakker has you covered, as she lists where you can watch the winners.

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Critics Choice Awards was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and saw Hollywood's A-listers get honoured at the first awards ceremony of the year.

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right of freedom of speech and expression was being 'abused' while hearing the plea of a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

How Trump's Rules Are Killing American Tourism

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'America has historically been a magnet for people who aren't from here.' 'That sort of thing -- the promise of opportunity, no matter what that looks like -- doesn't grow on trees.' 'It also happens to be geopolitical gold that Trump is flushing down the toilet,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

K'taka council passes hate speech bill amid BJP-JD-S protests

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Council passed a bill to curb hate speech, facing strong opposition from BJP and JD(S), who criticized it as 'draconian' and a threat to free speech. The bill proposes jail terms and fines for hate crimes and repeated offenses.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

He will hold the office till February 9, 2027.

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

It is shameful that Kashmir Times has been attacked in the way it has and that Anuradha Bhasin has not found more voices to speak in support of her and her paper, points out Aakar Patel.

Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd CJI

Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd CJI

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Bhushan R Gavai. He will assume office on November 24 and serve until February 9, 2027.

CJI Gavai recommends Justice Surya Kant as next Chief Justice of India

CJI Gavai recommends Justice Surya Kant as next Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant, who was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, would have a tenure of over 1.2 years as the CJI. He is due to retire on February 9, 2027.

Wife of Nepal ex-PM burnt alive as protestors torch their house

Wife of Nepal ex-PM burnt alive as protestors torch their house

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar was inside the house when the protesters set it ablaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to injuries, Khabarhub reported, citing family sources.

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the police for suppressing freedom of speech by filing FIRs against artists for their performances, stating that mere recitation of a poem, stand-up comedy, or any form of art cannot be alleged to incite hatred or animosity between communities. The court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who was booked for a song performed at a mass marriage function, emphasizing that such actions stifle legitimate expressions of view in a free society.

SC says no to contempt notice to lawyer who hurled shoe at CJI

SC says no to contempt notice to lawyer who hurled shoe at CJI

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court declined to initiate contempt action against a lawyer who hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice of India, citing the CJI's own refusal to proceed against him. The court is considering guidelines to prevent such incidents.

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant is set to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing extensive experience and a record of significant verdicts on key issues.

Why Aishwarya, Karan Johar Are Rushing To Court

Why Aishwarya, Karan Johar Are Rushing To Court

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

As AI deepfakes threaten star personas and commercial interests, celebrities approach the courts with personality rights petitions.

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Police conduct raids at bookshops in Kashmir to seize banned books promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism, following a government order. The ban and subsequent raids have drawn criticism from authors and political leaders.

19 killed as violence erupts in Nepal over social media ban; HM resigns

19 killed as violence erupts in Nepal over social media ban; HM resigns

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured on Monday as violent protests by youths rocked the Nepalese capital and certain other areas over the government's decision to ban social media sites, prompting authorities to deploy the army in Kathmandu to control the situation.

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Confusing academic freedom with the right to free speech of an individual and expecting unconditional institutional support is not realistic. Academic freedom provides an opportunity for an academic to pursue their passion and contribute to the society through the outcome of their research and/or thought process, points out N Ravichandran.

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Anybody who says one critical word can be branded as somebody who's glorifying terrorism.'

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rahul Gandhi's 'photo' on sanitary pads: IYC files complaints

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

The Indian Youth Congress has filed police complaints in multiple states alleging a "coordinated and defamatory" digital campaign targeting Rahul Gandhi and undermining the dignity of women, following a row over his image on sanitary pad packets to be distributed in Bihar.

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Want A US Visa? Unlock Your Social Media First

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

To 'protect national interest', US now require all F, M, and Jvisa applicants (students/exchange visitors) to make socialmedia profiles public for nationalsecurity vetting.

Trump slaps 50% tariffs on Brazil, warns against trial of Bolsonaro

Trump slaps 50% tariffs on Brazil, warns against trial of Bolsonaro

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump announced a 50 per cent tariff on imports from Brazil, starting August 1, and called the trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a 'witch hunt', adding that the 'trial should not take place'.

'Free speech doesn't mean...': US lawmakers condemn attack on Indian embassy

'Free speech doesn't mean...': US lawmakers condemn attack on Indian embassy

Rediff.com7 Jul 2023

They also slammed the "violent rhetoric" against India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and said free speech does not mean a license to incite violence or vandalise property.

Uttam's Take: Whatever happened to Free Speech?

Uttam's Take: Whatever happened to Free Speech?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2021

Uttam Ghosh offers his take on the decisions by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to file cases against several senior journalists and asks what happened to Narendra Damodardas Modi's commitment to free speech.

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid this unrest came the verdict of the Allahabad high court on June 12, 1975 that found Gandhi guilty over discrepancies in the electoral campaign, which led to the Emergency on the night of June 25.

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

MIT leadership said that they stand by the punishment they issued to Vemuri.

SC slams K'taka govt, paves way for Kamal's Thug Life release in state

SC slams K'taka govt, paves way for Kamal's Thug Life release in state

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Karnataka government over actor Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" not being released in the state, saying mob and vigilantes cannot be allowed to take to the streets.

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Despite ongoing tension between the two countries on the issue of extremism, Bezirgan said he expects warmer ties henceforth as Carney has invited Prime Minister Modi for the G7 Summit.