News for 'Criminal Justice'

'Pick your battles', CJI cautions probe agencies

'Pick your battles', CJI cautions probe agencies

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Expressing concern over instances of 'unwarranted' confiscation of personal devices during raids, the CJI said they highlight the pressing need to strike a balance between investigative imperatives and individual privacy rights.

Women We Admire: India's Legal Eagles

Women We Admire: India's Legal Eagles

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of Justice Anna Chandy, Justice M Fathima Beevi and Justice Leila Seth.

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

'I Want To Forget The Horror Of This War'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'While I would never wish for anyone to go through what we are, it has brought out the best in us by making each one of us a better version of ourselves.' 'Being courageous, fighting for freedom, taking the burden of responsibility to help each other...' 'I know hundreds and hundreds of examples where Ukrainians are risking their lives for complete strangers and it is only in moments like this that we truly understand what it means to be human.'

Zero FIR, online complaints: New criminal laws ready for rollout on July 1

Zero FIR, online complaints: New criminal laws ready for rollout on July 1

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023 mark a significant step towards empowering Indian citizens and aim to create a more accessible, supportive and efficient justice system for everyone, official sources said.

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Terms like 'miyan-tiyan', 'Pakistani' not a religious offence: SC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that using terms like "miyan-tiyan" and "Pakistani" does not constitute an offence of hurting religious sentiments, though the court acknowledged that such language is in "poor taste". The court discharged a man who had been accused of using these terms against an Urdu translator in Jharkhand.

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Badlapur accused's death: HC pulls up Maha for lack of FIR against cops

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court expressed its dismay over the Maharashtra government's failure to register an FIR against five policemen involved in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, despite an explicit court order. The court, alleging a deliberate attempt to disregard its directives, threatened contempt proceedings against senior CID officers for non-compliance. The case pertains to Shinde's death while in police custody, accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur. An inquiry report by a magistrate indicted the five policemen, suggesting a possible fake encounter. The court emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and stated that the government's inaction would send a detrimental message to society.

Survey outlines how India will benefit from AI

Survey outlines how India will benefit from AI

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

India's demographic advantage and diverse economic landscape position it uniquely to benefit from AI, the Economic Survey for 2024-25 tabled in the Parliament on Friday afternoon asserted. However, achieving these benefits requires significant investments in education and workforce skilling, supported by enabling, insuring, and stewarding institutions, the state of the economy report tabled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

'A Fearless Man Devoted To Truth, Justice'

'A Fearless Man Devoted To Truth, Justice'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

'Every report I filed for Rediff.com on the professor's incarceration, would leave me wondering for days, at the depth of the State's malevolence towards this disabled professor, and his equally deep capacity to tolerate it,' recalls Jyoti Punwani.' 'No country in the world would do what our country was doing to someone so helpless.'

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Trump fires several lawyers who prosecuted him

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The move comes as the Trump administration is taking measures to probe prosecutors who oversaw the criminal cases against January 6 defendants after Trump announced that he would seek retribution as a key pledge of his campaign.

Appeal against 2G acquittals 'ripe for hearing', CBI tells HC

Appeal against 2G acquittals 'ripe for hearing', CBI tells HC

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday informed the Delhi high court that its appeal against the acquittal of former telecom minister A Raja and 16 others in the 2G spectrum allocation case was 'ripe for hearing'.

Three criminal laws: Here's what has changed

Three criminal laws: Here's what has changed

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

Following are the key points of the three criminal law bills, that were passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and seek to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Evidence Act.

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

The Lady Judge Who Heads Gujarat UCC Panel

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

On the basis of her committee's report, the UCC in Uttarakhand established mandatory registration for marriages and live-in relationships, banned polygamy, and provided equal inheritance rights for women.

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Tahawwur Rana's extradition will expose Pak state actors' role in 26/11

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, is expected to be extradited to India from the United States soon. The US Supreme Court denied his last-ditch effort to stop his extradition, moving him closer to being handed over to Indian authorities. Rana's extradition is expected to help probe agencies expose the role of Pakistani state actors behind the attacks and shed new light on the investigation. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

NCP expels leader, son after cops name duo in dowry-suicide case

NCP expels leader, son after cops name duo in dowry-suicide case

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has expelled a local leader and his son after they were named in a dowry harassment and abetment to suicide case in Pune, India. The victim, Vaishnavi, allegedly hanged herself on May 16 after facing harassment from her in-laws for dowry. The police have arrested her husband, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law, while the father-in-law and brother-in-law are absconding. The case has garnered attention due to the involvement of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who attended the couple's wedding and gifted them an SUV.

You are insulting parents: SC slams Allahbadia but protects from arrest

You are insulting parents: SC slams Allahbadia but protects from arrest

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The SC questioned the language used by Allahbadia during the show, saying society has some values.

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.

'Against ethos of Constitution': SC halts 'bulldozer justice'

'Against ethos of Constitution': SC halts 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan clarified that its order will not be applicable to unauthorised structures on public roads, footpaths etc.

Domestic violence charges should be specific, can't drag whole family: SC

Domestic violence charges should be specific, can't drag whole family: SC

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that family members of an accused in domestic violence cases cannot be implicated without specific charges. The court emphasized the need for sensitivity in handling such cases, noting that emotions run high in matrimonial disputes and there may be a tendency to indiscriminately implicate family members. The court stressed that criminalizing domestic disputes without specific allegations and credible evidence could have disastrous consequences for the institution of family.

SC stays criminal proceedings against Karnataka CM in protest march case

SC stays criminal proceedings against Karnataka CM in protest march case

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed criminal proceedings against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in connection with a protest march held in the state in 2022.

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who led India's arguments for the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana in a United States court, is set to lead the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) prosecution in Delhi.

Marriage doesn't grant husband ownership over his wife: HC

Marriage doesn't grant husband ownership over his wife: HC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

'By uploading an intimate video on Facebook, the applicant (husband) has gravely breached the sanctity of the marital relationship. A husband is expected to honour the trust, faith, and confidence reposed in him by his wife, particularly in the context of their intimate relationship'

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review: Entertaining Crime Saga

Khakee: The Bengal Chapter Review: Entertaining Crime Saga

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

An upright police officer fighting wrongdoing is something we have seen umpteen times before, but Khakee: The Bengal Chapter holds our interest, thanks to a layered and complex story with a dozen of well-detailed characters, observes Mayur Sanap.

'Fraud on society': Ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar denied pre-arrest bail

'Fraud on society': Ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar denied pre-arrest bail

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022, to get reservation benefits.

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that an undertrial's prolonged incarceration cannot be a reason to grant bail in terrorism cases, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses and their potential to destabilize the nation. The court denied bail to separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a terror-funding case involving Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. The court considered the accused's argument regarding a prolonged trial and his right to liberty but emphasized that the serious nature of the crime, with its potential to disrupt national unity and create fear among the public, outweighs the length of incarceration. Khan, who was arrested in 2017, has been accused of conspiring for secession of Jammu and Kashmir through terrorist activities, receiving funding from Pakistan, and organizing anti-India rallies and demonstrations. The court highlighted the evidence, including witness statements and documents, supporting the accusations against Khan.

Roads not for namaz, learn discipline from Hindus: Yogi

Roads not for namaz, learn discipline from Hindus: Yogi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Yogi said Waqf boards have become a den of selfish interests as well as loot khasot (property grabbing), and have done little for the welfare of Muslims.

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Tariff war escalates: China warns US of countermeasures, plans WTO suit

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

In a statement, the Chinese ministry of commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

SC orders protection to Discovery after threats over Asaram documentary

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has granted interim police protection to Discovery Communications India officials who have been receiving threats from followers of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu. The threats were triggered by the release of a documentary series titled "Cult of Fear: Asaram Bapu". The court has directed the Centre and several state governments to ensure the safety of the petitioners, including their offices.

Jolt to another TN minister as, HC orders trial in graft case

Jolt to another TN minister as, HC orders trial in graft case

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

The trial court shall, as far as practicable, conduct trial from day to day, and complete the same on or before July 31, 2024, the judge added.

SC stays defamation case against Rahul over Shah remarks

SC stays defamation case against Rahul over Shah remarks

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

During one of his public speeches in Chaibasa before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi had allegedly referred to Shah as a murderer .

'Yeshu Yeshu prophet' Bajinder Singh gets life term in 2018 rape case

'Yeshu Yeshu prophet' Bajinder Singh gets life term in 2018 rape case

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

A court in Punjab's Mohali has sentenced self-styled pastor Bajinder Singh to life imprisonment in a 2018 rape case. The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Vikrant Kumar pronounced the verdict on Tuesday. Bajinder was found guilty under sections 376 (rape), 323 (punishment for voluntary causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. The case was registered on a complaint filed by a woman at the Zirakpur police station in Mohali in 2018.

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.

Why did Trump thank Pakistan?

Why did Trump thank Pakistan?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump thanked the Government of Pakistan for "helping arrest this monster".

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Blow for Mamata as SC cancels appointment of 25,753 teachers

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and other staff in West Bengal's state-run and state-aided schools, deeming the selection process "vitiated and tainted." The court ordered the state government to conduct a fresh selection process within three months. The decision comes after a Calcutta High Court verdict in April 2024, which also annulled the appointments. The apex court, while upholding the high court's order, made some modifications, including exempting disabled employees from returning their salaries. The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in the 2016 recruitment process by the West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC), involving OMR sheet tampering and rank-jumping. The Supreme Court had previously termed it a "systemic fraud." Former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee and Trinamool Congress MLAs Manik Bhattacharya and Jiban Krishna Saha are among the accused being investigated in the recruitment scam.

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.

SC takes suo motu cognisance of controversial Allahabad HC order on rape

SC takes suo motu cognisance of controversial Allahabad HC order on rape

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Legal experts had deplored the observation of the Allahabad high xourt on what constitutes a rape charge, calling for a restraint by judges and underlining the drop in public confidence in the judiciary due to such statements.

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Touching minor's lips without sexual intent not POCSO offence: HC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The judge, however, ruled that there was a clear prima facie case under Section 354 of IPC for 'assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty".

'New Laws Are Shilanyas Of Hindu Rashtra'

'New Laws Are Shilanyas Of Hindu Rashtra'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

'It will be difficult to challenge Hindutva anymore as the police will have the power to charge you as anti-national.'

HC rejects scribe Langa's plea to quash FIR in GMB document theft case

HC rejects scribe Langa's plea to quash FIR in GMB document theft case

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The Gujarat High Court dismissed a plea filed by journalist Mahesh Langa seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him for allegedly stealing "highly sensitive and confidential documents" belonging to the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB). The court found that prima facie, Langa's involvement in the crime was evident from the evidence collected during the investigation. The court further stated that the investigation is at a nascent stage and it would be inappropriate to exercise its inherent powers in favor of the petitioner at this stage.

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Tahawwur Rana lands in Delhi, NIA records arrest

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, was brought to India on Thursday after being "successfully extradited " from the US, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. The 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin landed in Delhi in a special plane on Thursday evening, ending days of speculation of when and how he will be extradited, officials said. The NIA said in a statement that it had secured the successful extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring to justice the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem that claimed 166 lives. Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley alias Daood Gilani, and operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the the three-day terror siege of India's financial capital.

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that courts should not hesitate to deny liberty to accused individuals in order to ensure a corruption-free society. The court's statement came while upholding the dismissal of an anticipatory bail plea in a corruption case against a public official. The court highlighted the dangers of corruption and emphasized that the presumption of innocence alone cannot be the sole consideration for granting bail in such cases.