News for 'ANI File Photo'

Assam Demolition Drive Faces HC Scrutiny

Assam Demolition Drive Faces HC Scrutiny

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Gauhati high court has questioned the legality of the demolition of 21 dwelling units on private agricultural land in Goalpara, saying the action appeared prima facie illegal and unauthorised and may have involved misuse of the Disaster Management Act.

EC hiding details of software used in SIR: Trinamool leader Saket Gokhale

EC hiding details of software used in SIR: Trinamool leader Saket Gokhale

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of withholding details about the software and algorithm used for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Citing an RTI response, Gokhale highlighted the ECI's claim that the information relates to "commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property matters," raising concerns about transparency in the electoral process.

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

PIL in SC against govt's 0.4% MDR on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's decision to impose a 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI person-to-merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The plea argues that the levy was introduced without adequate statutory safeguards, transparency, or public consultation, and questions its constitutional validity and potential adverse effects on merchants and consumers.

Mumbai court grants bail to 24-year-old student in fake PMO ID case

Mumbai court grants bail to 24-year-old student in fake PMO ID case

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

A Mumbai court has granted bail to Rohan Parikh, a 24-year-old student, and his bodyguard, Dilip Kunde, who were arrested for entering Jio World Plaza with a firearm and a fake PMO identity card. The court cited the lack of "overt malicious act" and the potential prejudice to the student's future as reasons for bail, setting a cash bond of Rs 50,000 each.

SC to hear PIL to expedite criminal cases against lawmakers

SC to hear PIL to expedite criminal cases against lawmakers

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear a 2016 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the speedy disposal of criminal cases against lawmakers across India. This decision comes amidst concerns raised by amicus curiae Vijay Hansaria about the high number of legislators facing criminal charges, including chief ministers. The court had previously issued directions in November 2023 to fast-track such trials.

Karnataka BJP leader booked over bid to delete minority voters from rolls

Karnataka BJP leader booked over bid to delete minority voters from rolls

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

FIRs have been registered against BJP leader Ravi Patil and others in Karnataka for allegedly attempting to delete the names of minority community voters from electoral rolls using fraudulent Form-7 applications. Similar cases of alleged voter deletion have also emerged in Bidar and Mysuru, leading to political protests by the Chief Minister.

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row over differences

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has addressed reports of internal dissent among its commissioners and clarified that all Special Intensive Revision (SIR) orders and Form 6 updates for voter enrolment received unanimous consent and were upheld by the Supreme Court. The EC also announced measures to ease the process for voters issued notices, including doorstep document collection and extended deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while affirming its commitment to transparent decision-making and meticulous compliance with directives.

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has filed a reply in a legal matter concerning her inclusion in the voter list, which is alleged to have occurred before she became an Indian citizen. The case, initiated by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks the registration of an FIR against Gandhi and is currently pending before a sessions court.

Newborn dies after ambulance stuck on damage road for 2 hours

Newborn dies after ambulance stuck on damage road for 2 hours

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A newborn girl tragically died in Agra after the ambulance transporting her mother got stuck for two hours on a severely damaged road in Gadhwar village. The family has filed a complaint, prompting an investigation, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the incident, blaming corruption.

Jhiram Valley Maoist attack: 10 convicts get death penalty for 2013 massacre

Jhiram Valley Maoist attack: 10 convicts get death penalty for 2013 massacre

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

A special NIA court in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district has sentenced all 10 convicts in the 2013 Jhiram Valley Maoist attack to death. The attack, which occurred on May 25, 2013, resulted in the deaths of 29 people, including prominent Congress leaders.

Crime Branch takes over probe into IIT-Bombay student suicide

Crime Branch takes over probe into IIT-Bombay student suicide

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

The Mumbai Police has transferred the alleged suicide case of a second-year IIT Bombay BTech student to the Crime Branch after his father filed a complaint alleging casteist slurs and harassment by Professor Suryanarayan Dulla, who was also named in an FIR.

Subhash Chandra moves tribunal against NCLT order restraining asset alienation

Subhash Chandra moves tribunal against NCLT order restraining asset alienation

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Media baron Subhash Chandra has appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against a five-member National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) bench's order that prevents him from selling or transferring his assets while his personal insolvency case is ongoing.

Crisis deepens in Pakistan cricket as Rizwan, Imam face inquiry over dressing-room leaks

Crisis deepens in Pakistan cricket as Rizwan, Imam face inquiry over dressing-room leaks

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Pakistan's National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an inquiry into alleged dressing-room leaks involving senior players Mohammad Rizwan and Imam ul Haq. This follows a complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) amidst disciplinary issues during a Test tour of England. The players' phones have been handed over, and they have requested more time to respond to queries.

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

IIIT-H distances itself from Umar Khalid docu screening after CBFC flag

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, citing violations of the Cinematograph Act. IIIT-Hyderabad subsequently distanced itself from the event, stating no recognised student bodies had organised it. The screening, titled "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," was reportedly cancelled by students, following a similar postponement at NLSIU Bengaluru due to opposition.

UP shocker: Driver treats patients as doctor attends court hearing

UP shocker: Driver treats patients as doctor attends court hearing

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A doctor's driver at Kanshiram Hospital in Kanpur allegedly examined patients and wrote prescriptions while the assigned doctor was in court. A video surfaced, leading to an official inquiry by a three-member committee and the driver's subsequent removal.

SC modifies order giving relief to Noida DM in NSA case

SC modifies order giving relief to Noida DM in NSA case

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has modified its interim order, staying the strictures and compensation directive passed by the Allahabad High Court against Noida DM Medha Roopam. The High Court had ordered Roopam to pay Rs 5 lakh from her salary for the detention of student Akriti Chaudhary under the NSA, criticising the DM's conduct. The Supreme Court's interim order specifically stays paragraphs 27 to 33 of the High Court judgment, which contained the strictures and cost award, but does not stay the quashing of Chaudhary's detention.

FIR in Haldwani over 'purification' ceremony after Kharge's rally

FIR in Haldwani over 'purification' ceremony after Kharge's rally

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

An FIR has been registered in Haldwani against unknown persons following an alleged "purification ceremony" at Ramlila Maidan after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's public meeting. The complaint, filed by Congress leader Anju Arya, alleges caste discrimination and social humiliation. The Uttarakhand High Court has been assured of an investigation, and Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallu Ravi, have demanded action, with Ravi filing a separate complaint in Delhi.

Caste alone not enough to invoke SC/ST Act: Allahabad HC

Caste alone not enough to invoke SC/ST Act: Allahabad HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the SC/ST Act cannot be invoked merely because a complainant belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe. Justice Santosh Rai observed that specific ingredients of the offence must be present, quashing proceedings under the Act in a property dispute where no caste-based abuse occurred.

'When You Say AI Is Going To End Humanity...'

'When You Say AI Is Going To End Humanity...'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

'There is a long set of decisions that have to be made along the way for anything to actually get actuated in the real world.'

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal will take place on October 16. This includes 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with significant implications for party representation, particularly for the BJP and BSP.

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

'Abominable practice': HC orders SBI to refund widow's Rs 19.90 lakh FD

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 19.90 lakh debited from a widow's fixed deposit to recover her deceased husband's personal loan. The court deemed the bank's action an "abominable" breach of banking practice and also directed SBI to pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation to the woman.

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

New UPI Merchant Fee Sparks Volatility In Fintech Shares

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Indian government has introduced a 0.4% fee on UPI transfers above Rs 2,000 made to merchants, effective October 15, ending nearly six years of free merchant payments. This move led to initial rallies in fintech stocks like Paytm and Mobikwik, though some later pared gains. Person-to-person transactions and small payments remain free for customers, with the fee being a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

IIT Bombay student suicide: Professor to be questioned

IIT Bombay student suicide: Professor to be questioned

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

The Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the alleged suicide of a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student, Sahil Ravindra Wakode. Wakode was found dead after being caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during an exam. His parents have filed a complaint alleging institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination, leading to a protest by students. A professor has been named as an accused, and the Crime Branch is expected to summon them for questioning. This marks the third suicide at IIT Bombay in seven months.

Court grants bail to US national Van Dyke in terror conspiracy case

Court grants bail to US national Van Dyke in terror conspiracy case

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A Delhi court has granted default bail to US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, who was arrested in a terror-conspiracy case being probed by the National Investigation Agency, amidst ongoing investigations into potential UAPA offences.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

Noel Tata: We Hope RBI Will Find Common Ground With Us

Noel Tata: We Hope RBI Will Find Common Ground With Us

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Listing, according to Noel Tata, will fundamentally change how the company and the group have been working over the past 150 years.

Rajya Sabha polls announced in 3 states, all eyes on UP's 10th seat

Rajya Sabha polls announced in 3 states, all eyes on UP's 10th seat

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16. The BJP is expected to retain eight seats in UP and gain one in West Bengal, increasing its overall strength. The Samajwadi Party is also likely to gain one seat in UP, while Mayawati's BSP faces the prospect of losing its representation in Parliament.

HC grants interim protection from arrest to Abhishek Banerjee in 3 new FIRs

HC grants interim protection from arrest to Abhishek Banerjee in 3 new FIRs

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in three FIRs, expressing frustration over the numerous cases against him. The court directed police not to take coercive action until November 30 and questioned the motive behind the complaints, noting they were filed by a political rival.

UP: Groom sent for sweets after wedding, bride vanishes with Rs 1.6L

UP: Groom sent for sweets after wedding, bride vanishes with Rs 1.6L

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

A man seeking a second marriage was allegedly duped of Rs 1.6 lakh by a matchmaker and a 'bride' who vanished shortly after their wedding rituals. The groom was sent to buy sweets, and upon his return, found the bride and accomplices had fled. Police have arrested the matchmaker and another accused in connection with the fraud.

No HC relief for Rahul Gandhi in Modi defamation case summons

No HC relief for Rahul Gandhi in Modi defamation case summons

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has dismissed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a 2019 summons issued by a magistrate court in a defamation complaint. The complaint, filed by a BJP member, pertains to Gandhi's alleged defamatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The High Court found no illegality in the magistrate's order but extended the deferment of the lower court hearing by six weeks to allow Gandhi to appeal to the Supreme Court.

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

SC dismisses NEET-PG re-exam PIL, slaps Rs 25K fine on advocate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a re-conduct of the NEET-PG 2026 exam, imposing a cost on the petitioner and criticising the advocate for misusing the legal process and soliciting cases on social media. The court noted that the petitioners were not affected by the exam disruption they cited.

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

SC's unusual move on NEET leaks: Judges may visit NTA to inspect facilities

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has indicated that its judges may personally visit the National Testing Agency (NTA) to examine its upgraded facilities aimed at preventing recurring NEET paper leaks. This unusual move underscores the court's emphasis on institutional strengthening and permanent solutions. The NTA informed the bench that it has overhauled its system, while a high-powered panel is also working on structural reforms to ensure foolproof examination processes.

'Final chance': SC gives Rajpal Yadav 2 weeks to return Rs 2 cr

'Final chance': SC gives Rajpal Yadav 2 weeks to return Rs 2 cr

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has given actor Rajpal Yadav a final two-week opportunity to present a concrete proposal for repaying an outstanding amount to a private firm, directing him to deposit Rs 2 crore with the apex court registry. This comes after a series of cheque bounce cases, with the Delhi High Court previously upholding his conviction and sentencing him to three months' imprisonment. The court noted Yadav's past conduct did not inspire confidence but granted a last chance.

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

SC stays FIR against Kotdwar's 'Mohammad Deepak'

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed further proceedings in an FIR against Kotdwar gym operator Deepak Kumar, known as 'Mohammad Deepak', who gained prominence for confronting Bajrang Dal workers. The case stems from an incident where Deepak defended a Muslim shopkeeper, leading to a viral video and subsequent legal challenges.

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

No Muslim officers in Amit Shah's Bengal events, Mahua tells UN body

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has formally complained to the UN Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues, alleging that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers in West Bengal were deliberately excluded from official events attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Moitra claims these officers were sidelined due to their religion, a pattern she describes as discriminatory and potentially damaging to minority confidence in security establishments.

Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian's death, slams police

Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian's death, slams police

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, after criticising the Mumbai police for their six-year-long probe which it said "raises more questions than answers." The court noted "glaring discrepancies" in the police's handling of the case, which was initially treated as an accidental death, and highlighted issues like delayed panchnama and unusual injury patterns. Salian's father had petitioned the court, alleging foul play and a cover-up, and sought an FIR against a political leader.

'Mindset must change': SC tells TN to provide land for Navodaya in 3 months

'Mindset must change': SC tells TN to provide land for Navodaya in 3 months

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to comply with its previous order to identify land for establishing Navodaya Vidyalayas in each district of the state, emphasising cooperative federalism and urging a change in mindset regarding the central government's education policy.

Nearly one-third of voters from Delhi's draft electoral list in SIR

Nearly one-third of voters from Delhi's draft electoral list in SIR

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Delhi's draft electoral roll has been published, showing 47.7 lakh voters excluded. Those omitted can file claims until September 30, with the final roll due on November 4. The exclusion follows a Special Intensive Revision exercise where many electors were categorised as "uncollectable."

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

80s Trend Turns Nostalgia Into Memory

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The retro hair, the vintage clothing, that's not the real charm of these images. It's the ability to look at a screen and create the one thing modern technology has never been able to give us: the tactile, imperfect feeling of memory, points out Kaleem Ullah Fasihi.

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Vinesh Phogat's World Championships Hopes Dashed By Delhi High Court Ruling

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant wrestler Vinesh Phogat an interim exemption to participate in the women's selection trials for the 2026 Senior World Championships. The court stated that eligibility criteria apply uniformly to all athletes and granting an interim relief to Phogat, who recently returned from maternity leave, would lead to unequal treatment without a full adjudication of the policy's validity. Phogat had sought to challenge the Wrestling Federation of India's (WFI) circular on eligibility, arguing it unfairly excludes athletes returning from maternity.