News for 'Caste and religion'

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.

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Rediff.com2 days ago

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism regarding taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple, emphasising respect for all religions and the dignity of athletes.

Don't mention caste, religion of litigants: SC to registry

Don't mention caste, religion of litigants: SC to registry

Rediff.com7 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court asked its registry officials on Wednesday to comply with a recent order of the court in which it was directed that the practice of mentioning the caste or religion of litigants must be shunned.

Stop mention of litigants' caste/religion in court cases, says SC

Stop mention of litigants' caste/religion in court cases, says SC

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

The practice of mentioning caste or religion of litigants in court cases must be shunned, the Supreme Court has said while directing its registry and all other courts to stop it immediately.

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.

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The story of Ghooskhor Pandat focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility -- to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.'

Ghooskhor Pandat row: Neeraj Pandey withdraws title, SC disposes of plea

Ghooskhor Pandat row: Neeraj Pandey withdraws title, SC disposes of plea

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has disposed of a plea against the Netflix film 'Ghooskhor Pandit' after filmmaker Neeraj Pandey withdrew the title and promotional material. The court acknowledged Pandey's affidavit and expects the controversy to be resolved.

'There Is Only One Religion'

'There Is Only One Religion'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attended Sri Satya Sai Baba's birth centenary celebrations in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, and reflected on his teachings and principles.

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Rediff.com15 hours ago

The Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which aims to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or marriage, with stringent penalties for violations.

No prisoner segregation based on caste, religion, Centre tells states

No prisoner segregation based on caste, religion, Centre tells states

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

The MHA said the prison manual also provides that no classification of prisoners shall be allowed on grounds of socio-economic status, caste or class.

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

Rediff.com1 days ago

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has denied reports that she is underage following her marriage in Kerala. She asserts she is 18 and legally married.

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

SC raps filmmaker Neeraj Pandey over Ghooskhor Pandat title

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the title of the film 'Ghooskhor Pandat', questioning its potential to denigrate a section of society. Notices have been issued to relevant authorities.

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is facing accusations of religious discrimination after allegedly insulting a Muslim woman and taking back a blanket during a distribution event.

Lingayats renew push for separate religion status

Lingayats renew push for separate religion status

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Lingayat community, led by its seers, has renewed its call for a separate religion status, raising awareness and seeking government benefits similar to Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.

Harbhajan slams Kirti Azad for 'politicising' Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

Harbhajan slams Kirti Azad for 'politicising' Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

Rediff.com3 days ago

Harbhajan Singh criticises Kirti Azad for questioning Team India's temple visit with T20 World Cup trophy

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

Rediff.com2 days ago

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, sought police protection in Thiruvananthapuram to stay with her boyfriend and marry him, alleging her father was trying to forcibly take her back home.

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Rediff.com2 days ago

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married her Muslim friend in Kerala after seeking police protection from family pressure. The couple cited Kerala's support for interfaith relationships as their reason for choosing the state.

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

The Kerala Story 2: Targetted Hate Ruins A Good Cautionary Tale

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

It's not the clothes or the rebellion that invites violence, but the mindset that continues to police and condition girls and encourages the perpetrator, instead of punishing the criminals. This lack of empathy is what ultimately brings The Kerala Story 2 down, observes Divya Nair.

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census of India, 2027, which would include the caste enumeration for the first time.

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Divide Bengal Through Voter Deletions

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls to divide the state, alleging a conspiracy to deprive Bengali-speaking people of their voting rights. She claims the Election Commission is complicit in deleting lakhs of names from voter lists.

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Rediff.com3 days ago

'No one can wipe-off our glorious collaboration in The Kerala Story and Bastar, from Indian cinema.' 'When we create history and are scrutiniSed in public, we must be extremely responsible in our behaviour and conduct.'

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

HC rejects plea against Christian priests' Kerala temple entry; says...

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has stated that laws and regulations should serve as a unifying force between religions and communities, not create discord. The observation came while dismissing a plea against the entry of Christian priests into a Hindu temple.

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A GST Deputy Commissioner, Prashant Kumar Singh, resigned in protest against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing attempts to divide the nation on caste and religious lines.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Why UGC's new regulations have sparked controversy, protests

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations on promoting equity in higher education institutions have sparked protests and legal challenges. This article explains the regulations, the concerns raised, and the government's response.

'Hindu Unity Is Not What I Am Aiming At'

'Hindu Unity Is Not What I Am Aiming At'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

'The Kerala of today is not the Kerala of yesterday.' 'What has seeped into this society is the feeling of hatred towards other castes and religions.'

Shivamogga tense after student's murder, 7 minors held

Shivamogga tense after student's murder, 7 minors held

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

A 16-year-old student's murder outside a Shivamogga school has ignited community tension, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about school violence.

'Women Are Far More Dangerous And Cruel'

'Women Are Far More Dangerous And Cruel'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

'Women in crime can turn on and off emotions like a tap.' 'Something that comes in the way of their goals can be eliminated without a second thought.'

Nurses 'throw' books critical of religion at official in Mumbai

Nurses 'throw' books critical of religion at official in Mumbai

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Nurses at a Mumbai hospital allegedly threw books critical of religion at an official who gifted them, claiming the books hurt their religious sentiments. A video of the incident has gone viral.

'Caste census' begins in Karnataka amid protests

'Caste census' begins in Karnataka amid protests

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the 'caste census' in Karnataka, commenced on Monday, with enumerators going door-to-door to collect data.

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.'

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Eknath Shinde and other legislators of the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena visited the memorial of RSS founder K B Hedgewar in Nagpur. NCP legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, skipped the visit.

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Yunus rakes up India's 'Seven Sisters' in farewell speech

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Relations with India experienced a downturn during Yunus's tenure, while ties with Pakistan saw positive developments.

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

States Chalk Out Plans For Census 2027

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are among the first to roll out the digital exercise.

No referring to members' caste, religion in Lok Sabha: Speaker

No referring to members' caste, religion in Lok Sabha: Speaker

Rediff.com12 Dec 2022

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday warned members against referring to anyone's caste and religion in the House after a Congress MP alleged that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made certain remarks about his proficiency in Hindi because he belonged to a lower caste.

RSS seeks social unity, not power or pressure politics: Bhagwat

RSS seeks social unity, not power or pressure politics: Bhagwat

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Sangh's objective is to unite society, not to seek power or become a pressure group. He emphasized that the RSS is not against anyone and aims to support positive efforts in the country.

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.

Will Homebound Get The Caste Issue Right?

Will Homebound Get The Caste Issue Right?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

A glimpse of the film, via the trailer, indicates a sincerity of purpose and the shining of a light into those corners of India that remain dark amidst progress and prosperity, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

An investigation has been launched into the authenticity of the disability certificate of Prashant Kumar Singh, who resigned as GST Deputy Commissioner in protest against remarks made against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The probe was initiated following a complaint filed in 2021.