Ashutosh Brahmachari, who filed a sexual harassment case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, has now claimed he did so under pressure from Ramchandra Das, the mahant of Deva Ashram in Mathura, alleging a conspiracy involving several officers.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a final hearing for a batch of petitions challenging the marital rape exception in Indian law. The court will examine the constitutional validity of the provision that grants immunity to husbands from prosecution for sexual acts with their wives, even under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. This significant legal challenge follows split verdicts from High Courts and seeks to address whether such an exception aligns with fundamental rights.
The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress faction has announced Sanchita Pradhan (Dey) and Rabiul Alam Chowdhury as its candidates for the upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly by-elections in West Bengal. This announcement comes amidst a significant split within the TMC, with a rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee also vying for control of the party's name and symbol. The Election Commission is currently deliberating on the claims of both factions, a decision that will critically impact the by-polls scheduled for October 6.
Its unresolved, noncommittal conclusion is exactly the sort of anticlimactic reality Daayra wants to bring our attention to. Neither justice nor revenge can undo the fate met by the world's Nirbhayas or Arushis, observes Sukanya Verma.
The small-budget devotional drama Hanuman Ansh has defied expectations, achieving massive box office collections, cementing its status as a major sleeper hit of 2026.
The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that authorities in Muscat are examining claims that the family of Indian merchant navy captain Ashish Kumar received ransom calls following his disappearance after a drone or missile attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
A case has been filed against 38 individuals, including 8 named persons, for allegedly molesting a female member of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch during a protest in Ranchi on August 21. The complaint was lodged by the victim, accompanied by BJP's Babulal Marandi, at Kotwali police station, with charges including molestation and other sections of the BNS. The incident occurred during a procession against recruitment examination irregularities.
More than 2.06 crore electors, representing 21.14 per cent of Maharashtra's previous voter base, have been excluded from the draft electoral roll following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) due to reasons like being untraceable, deceased, or having shifted residences.
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been remanded to one-day police custody by a Delhi court judge, facing charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, criminal intimidation, and the POCSO Act following allegations of assault and online harassment.
Maruti Suzuki India announced a price hike of up to Rs 20,000 on select models, effective from September 2026, marking its third increase since May, citing continuous increases in input costs and inflationary pressures.
The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has inaugurated India's first Industrial Autonomy & Engineering Lab in Pune, a "lights-out factory lab" designed to advance AI-led manufacturing. The facility features a robotic battery pack assembly line, enabling manufacturers to prototype and scale AI-first production systems with minimal human intervention, simulating self-optimising factories.
The Bombay High Court has declined to issue a prohibitory order against Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's proposed protest march to Mumbai, stating that the Maharashtra government is fully capable of managing any potential law and order situation. The court emphasised the right to protest in a democratic country and directed the government to ensure Jarange receives medical assistance if needed.
Golf icon Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Florida court to change his not guilty plea in an ongoing impaired-driving case.
Investors opening new brokerage accounts must choose a broker suited to their style.
The CBI has registered an FIR in the Disha Salian death case, following a Bombay High Court order that criticised Mumbai Police for its six-year delay and "glaring discrepancies" in the investigation. Salian, former manager of Sushant Singh Rajput, died in June 2020, a week before Rajput's own death, which led to speculation about a connection. The High Court had expressed concerns over the Mumbai Police's handling of the case, which was initially treated as an accidental death.
Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.
The Supreme Court resumed hearing pleas challenging the Maharashtra Speaker's decision regarding the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLAs and the Election Commission's recognition of the Shinde faction as the "real" Shiv Sena. Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, representing the Shinde camp, argued that the EC has jurisdiction under Article 324 to examine a party's democratic character and organisational structure, especially when the Thackeray faction's constitution was not registered with the poll panel. He emphasised that the Shinde faction's case is based on a split within the political party, not just its legislative wing, citing cadre discontent. The hearing remains inconclusive.
Shares of Reliance Industries climbed nearly 3 per cent after its digital unit, Jio Platforms, filed draft papers for what could become India's largest-ever initial public offering, with the offering potentially raising around Rs 37,700 crore (USD 4 billion).
Manipuri musician Chongtham Vikram Singh, who died after a brutal assault in Delhi, had previously been threatened by the same accused individuals, according to the police FIR.
Subhash Chandra hoped that the lenders would discuss the matter with the borrowers, reconcile the outstanding accounts, and get paid by the borrowers.
Shares of HDFC Bank rose nearly 3 per cent after its Managing Director and Chief Executive Sashidhar Jagdishan decided not to seek reappointment after his current term concludes on October 26.
A 33-year-old gym owner, Kalyan Bainsla, has been arrested in Rajasthan for allegedly ramming his car into a woman biker, Shivani Chauhan, on Gurugram's Golf Course Road. The incident, captured on video, led to charges of attempt to murder and stalking after police investigation revealed alleged indecent comments and deliberate intent to harm. Bainsla's cousin and another friend have also been detained.
The Supreme Court has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to issue a no-objection certificate and relieving order to international water sports coach Bilquis Mir, enabling her to join the Indian National Kayaking and Canoeing Team as chief coach for the Asian Games. This ruling came after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticised the bureaucratic hurdles faced by Mir, highlighting systemic issues within the administration.
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Centre regarding the introduction of totalisers for counting votes recorded in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court wants to understand any impediments and potential negative impacts of this mechanism, which aims to protect voter privacy and prevent post-poll violence by counting votes from multiple booths together.
A dispute has emerged over the ancestral home of 20th-century Hindu saint Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj in Akbarpur village, Uttar Pradesh. Six granddaughters have filed a complaint alleging illegal occupation by a Trust headed by their aunt, prompting the district administration to form an inquiry committee. The property, also a tourist attraction, is at the centre of a family feud following a recent incident where the granddaughters were allegedly denied lodging.
The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the withdrawal of police cases against farmers who protested against the Parandur airport and SIPCOT projects, and against teachers who protested for their rights. The decision, made on humanitarian and democratic grounds, aims to strengthen democratic rights and public trust in the government.
An Indian-origin woman, Anila Baby, has been arrested in California for allegedly murdering two of her friends, Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari, in separate incidents within 90 minutes. The victims, also of Indian origin from Kerala, were reportedly strangled and stabbed, and run over by a car. The motive remains under investigation, and Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder.
An educational institute in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district has been shut indefinitely and its hostel vacated following a violent clash between two student groups over organising Vishwakarma Puja. The incident at the University Institute of Technology, Burdwan University, led to injuries, property damage, and allegations of outsider involvement, prompting police intervention and an ongoing investigation.
Swatantra Bharadwaj, accused of assaulting Nishu Azad's father during a CJP protest, claims he acted in self-defence against a mob, stating he has video evidence and that medical reports show no serious injuries, contradicting earlier claims of a skull fracture.
Mallojula Venugopal Rao, a former Naxal commander known as Bhupathi, has joined Gondwana University's 'Ekal' programme in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. He will work as a coordinator to help tribal villagers secure their legal rights, including those under the PESA and Forest Rights Acts, marking a significant shift from his past as a feared Maoist strategist.
Football administrator Ranjit Bajaj has filed a writ petition in court, seeking directions for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to immediately schedule and complete elections for its Executive Committee. Bajaj argues that the AIFF has already adopted a compliant constitution, making further deferment unjustified.
More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.
The Centre has assured the Delhi High Court that it will not take coercive action against the Delhi Gymkhana Club until September 16 regarding its eviction from the 27.3-acre premises. This comes as the court hears pleas challenging a show-cause notice for eviction, following the termination of the club's perpetual lease deed by the Land & Development Office. The legal battle centres on the validity of the lease termination and the jurisdiction of the estate officer.
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed an additional fee of USD 103,265 for all H-1B visa cap-subject applications, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption. This new fee aims to recover interagency costs for immigration programmes and would be paid in addition to existing fees. The proposal is open for public comments for 30 days and has drawn criticism from immigration advocates.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is reportedly 'close' to approving the National Stock Exchange's (NSE) initial public offering (IPO) draft documents, with an expected market debut by early next month. Sebi Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey also emphasised the regulator's focus on enhancing market resilience against evolving risks, including technology failures and the impact of artificial intelligence.
A man was allegedly tied to a tree and beaten by a mob in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after he and another youth went to meet a woman. Villagers suspected them of attempting abduction. A video of the incident went viral, prompting police to register a case against the two men for alleged abduction and to investigate the assault by the mob.
Police in Coimbatore have filed an 819-page chargesheet against two men, K Karthi and R Mohan, in connection with the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Sulur. The investigation was completed in a record 18 days, relying on scientific evidence and eyewitness testimonies, and the prosecution expects an expedited trial.
