News for 'Castes and Scheduled Tribes'

Delhi Holi clash killing: House of accused razed; CBI probe sought

Delhi Holi clash killing: House of accused razed; CBI probe sought

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolished illegal portions of a house linked to an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash case, where a 26-year-old man was killed. The demolition was carried out amid heavy police presence to maintain order.

Family of Uttam Nagar victim demands CBI probe after Holi clash

Family of Uttam Nagar victim demands CBI probe after Holi clash

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Following a fatal clash during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar, the victim's family is demanding a CBI probe and strict action against those involved, while authorities have demolished parts of a house linked to one of the accused.

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Jarange calls off Maratha agitation after Maha issues GR

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

Jarange Patil on Tuesday called off his five-day old agitation after the Maharashtra government issued a resolution on the Hyderabad gazetteer and announced the formation of a committees to facilitate the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas who are able to produce documentary evidence recognising them as Kunbis in the past.

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rajya Sabha faces backlog of 19 bills, oldest dates back to 1992

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Rajya Sabha currently has 19 government Bills pending, with the oldest dating back to 1992. These bills cover a range of issues including population control, rent control, seed quality, migrant workers, and tribal autonomy.

Minor Dalit girl abducted, forcibly converted, married

Minor Dalit girl abducted, forcibly converted, married

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Two men have been arrested here for allegedly abducting a Dalit minor girl, unlawfully converting her religion, and solemnising marriage with her, officials said on Wednesday.

SC-ST Act applicable only if there is intention to humiliate: SC

SC-ST Act applicable only if there is intention to humiliate: SC

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

An offence under the SC-ST Act is not established merely on the fact that the complainant is a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community unless there is an intention to humiliate, the Supreme Court said on Friday.

What's in your home? Govt lists 33 questions for Census Phase 1

What's in your home? Govt lists 33 questions for Census Phase 1

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Indian government has released the list of questions to be asked during the first phase of the Census 2027, focusing on houselisting and housing enumeration. The survey will cover various aspects of housing conditions, household characteristics, and access to basic amenities.

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion. This follows a similar move by Uttarakhand and excludes Scheduled Tribes and groups with protected customary rights.

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Political tensions rise in Maharashtra as OBC, SC, and ST groups express concerns over a government resolution on the Maratha quota. Chief Minister Fadnavis cautions against divisive politics, while Sharad Pawar accuses the government of weakening the social fabric.

'People Will Tilt Towards BJP After Caste Census'

'People Will Tilt Towards BJP After Caste Census'

Rediff.com2 May 2025

'There were deep discussions within the Sangh Parivar before this decision was made.' 'They were convinced, and only then did the Modi government proceed with the caste census.'

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.

Minor tribal girl forcibly married, mother gets Rs 50,000

Minor tribal girl forcibly married, mother gets Rs 50,000

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Police in Palghar, Maharashtra, have registered a case against five individuals involved in the marriage of a 16-year-old minor tribal girl. The case involves charges of rape, human trafficking, harassment, and violations of the POCSO Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Maha to issue Kunbi caste certificates to eligible Marathas

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

The decision comes a day after Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said a government-appointed committee scrutinised 1.72 crore old documents (including those of Nizam-era) and among them, 11,530 records were found where Kunbi caste was mentioned.

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

UGC issue: New rules won't be discriminatory or misused, says govt

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The new UGC regulations mandating all higher education institutions to form "equity committees" to look into discrimination complaints and promote equity were notified on January 13.

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan addressed members, urging them to uphold the Constitution, follow parliamentary norms, and understand their responsibilities towards the nation.

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

RSS chief 'ready to step down' if asked

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated he will continue in his role despite his age, stepping down only when the organization directs him to do so. He also discussed the importance of values and communication within the RSS.

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.

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced forming a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of their Kunbi heritage, a social group classified as an OBC in the state.

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The upper portion of the vehicle was damaged before locals rushed to the spot and helped douse the flames.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Caste or cash? Tell us

Caste or cash? Tell us

Rediff.com15 Sep 2006

Will you marry outside your caste for money?

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Cong neta forced to wear saree by BJP workers for Modi post

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The 72-year-old local Congress functionary had shared a morphed image on social media of the PM.

Parliament should pass law on quota to exceed 50% cap: Congress

Parliament should pass law on quota to exceed 50% cap: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Ramesh said the current limit of 50 percent is not explicitly mandated by the Constitution, but has been decided through various Supreme Court decisions.

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has reserved its order on the bail plea of a couple accused of hurling racial slurs at their neighbours from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The arguments were presented by both parties, with the court set to deliver its decision on Tuesday.

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The census will be carried out with a reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country, the notification said.

Plea in SC seeks probe into demand for proof of periods from women

Plea in SC seeks probe into demand for proof of periods from women

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday sought response from the Centre and others on a plea alleging that female sanitation workers at the Maharashi Dayanand University in Haryana were asked to prove through pictures of their private parts that they were menstruating.

Rahul will have to reveal his caste if...: Assam CM

Rahul will have to reveal his caste if...: Assam CM

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

On Tuesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused BJP MP Anurag Thakur of "abusing and insulting" him during the Lok Sabha discussion on the Union Budget.

RSS backs caste census for welfare, opposes political use

RSS backs caste census for welfare, opposes political use

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Sunil Ambekar, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, said caste and caste-relations were a "very sensitive issue" for the Hindu society and it is an important issue "for our national unity and integrity".

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Census with caste enumeration to begin from Oct 1, 2026

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Census exercise with caste enumeration will be carried out with the reference date of October 1, 2026, in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and of March 1, 2027, in the rest of the country, the Home Ministry announced on Wednesday.

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

6 held for attempt to give electric shock to Dalit boys at Andhra hostel

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The incident occurred on August 7 and reportedly stemmed from an attempt to separate one of the victims from a minor girl with whom he was in a mutual relationship.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

BJP files plaint against Kerala rapper over anti-Modi, casteist song

BJP files plaint against Kerala rapper over anti-Modi, casteist song

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A BJP leader from Palakkad, Kerala, has filed a complaint against popular rapper Vedan, accusing him of defaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promoting caste-based division through his music. The complaint, filed with the Union Home Ministry and NIA, alleges that one of Vedan's songs contains defamatory remarks about the Prime Minister and inflammatory language aimed at dividing the Hindu community along caste lines. The complaint also highlights Vedan's past legal issues, including his arrest on April 28 in connection with a drug case. Vedan has denied the allegations, claiming that the criticism is part of a broader attempt to portray him as an extremist.

Fake caste certificate scam: 2 DU staffers held

Fake caste certificate scam: 2 DU staffers held

Rediff.com30 Jun 2011

The racket led by Himanshu Gupta allegedly managed to secure admissions for 12 students, including four girls, this admission season in eight colleges and was smashed by Delhi Police's Crime Branch on June 23 with the arrest of three youths, including a contract employee in a tehsildar office.

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

K'taka caste census sparks outrage, Sidda ministers to oppose in cabinet

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Opposition to the Karnataka government's proposed implementation of a caste census has intensified with dominant communities raising concerns about the survey's findings. The report, which has not been publicly released, is said to contradict traditional perceptions regarding the numerical strength of various castes, particularly Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas. These communities, along with political parties, including sections of the ruling Congress, have criticized the survey as "unscientific" and demanded a fresh assessment. The Vokkaligara Sangha and the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha have expressed strong opposition, alleging that the report misrepresents their populations and demanding a fresh survey. Meanwhile, Dalit and OBC groups have defended the survey and its recommendations, including an increase in reservation for OBCs to 51%. The controversy has fueled political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition parties accusing the Congress government of using the caste census for political gain.

Dalit family attacked in UP for holding wedding ceremony in hall

Dalit family attacked in UP for holding wedding ceremony in hall

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The FIR based on a complaint by one of the victim's brother, Raghvendra Gautam, said a group of around 20 armed with sticks and rods stormed Swayamvar Marriage Hall around 10.30 pm and attacked those who were holding a wedding there.

No plan to release 2011 caste census data at this stage: Govt

No plan to release 2011 caste census data at this stage: Govt

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai also said that the central government has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in census since Independence.

Caste Is Back In The Electoral Equation

Caste Is Back In The Electoral Equation

Rediff.com20 Nov 2023

Bihar has fertile grounds for caste to emerge as an electoral issue.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.