News for 'Freedom of Expression'

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Shabari story in the Ramayana found mention before a nine-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday while hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Iran blames UAE after BRICS ministers fail to agree on joint declaration

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi concluded without a joint statement due to disagreements over the West Asia conflict, with Iran blaming the UAE for the lack of consensus. India, as the host, issued a chair's statement highlighting the differing views.

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.

Randeep Hooda-Lin Laishram Reveal Daughter's Name

Randeep Hooda-Lin Laishram Reveal Daughter's Name

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, have announced the name of their newborn daughter as Nyomica, a name signifying 'Divine Grace, Freedom and limitless, like the sky'.

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has commenced hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom across faiths.

One for the future: Shreyas Iyer lauds Sooryavanshi

One for the future: Shreyas Iyer lauds Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has praised Rajasthan Royals' teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a rare talent and one to watch for the future after his impressive run in IPL 2026.

Himachal Pradesh Police Officer Disciplined After Journalist Incident

Himachal Pradesh Police Officer Disciplined After Journalist Incident

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A policeman in Kufri, near Shimla, faces disciplinary action after allegedly manhandling a journalist covering a news event. The incident sparked outrage and led to intervention from the Chief Minister.

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Why Academic Freedom Isn't Absolute

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Confusing academic freedom with the right to free speech of an individual and expecting unconditional institutional support is not realistic. Academic freedom provides an opportunity for an academic to pursue their passion and contribute to the society through the outcome of their research and/or thought process, points out N Ravichandran.

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Thousands of Naga students and citizens rallied in Kohima, Nagaland, opposing the central government's directive to mandate the singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions, citing concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

India deplores attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz at UNSC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concerns over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its importance to India's energy and economic security. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted the need to respect international law and ensure the safety of seafarers, while also addressing broader Middle East issues including the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

48 hours after rout, revolt brews in TMC, leaders blame top brass

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.

'No more Mr. Nice Guy': Trump warns Iran with a gun

'No more Mr. Nice Guy': Trump warns Iran with a gun

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the US will take a tougher stance if a diplomatic resolution regarding its nuclear programme is not reached soon.

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy. Leaders including Narendra Modi, Mark Carney, and others have voiced their support and concern for President Trump and all attendees.

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure in West Asia and emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes.

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed relief and condemnation following a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where US President Donald Trump and other top officials were present. Leaders from various countries reiterated that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Court Quashes Order Against BJP MLA In Defamation Case

Court Quashes Order Against BJP MLA In Defamation Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has set aside a magistrate's order taking cognisance of a criminal defamation complaint filed by AAP leader Satyendar Jain against BJP MLA Karnail Singh, citing that the order did not adequately consider exceptions to the offence of defamation.

China, Russia veto Bahrain-backed UN resolution to reopen Hormuz

China, Russia veto Bahrain-backed UN resolution to reopen Hormuz

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Russia and China vetoed a Bahrain-backed UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A resolution that was already diluted to secure their abstentions.

Keir Starmer Vows To Combat Antisemitism After London Attack

Keir Starmer Vows To Combat Antisemitism After London Attack

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the site of a terrorist attack in London where two Jewish men were stabbed and addressed the rise of antisemitism in the UK.

IPL 2026: Williamson blames pitch as LSG struggle at home

IPL 2026: Williamson blames pitch as LSG struggle at home

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kane Williamson, Lucknow Super Giants' strategy coach, discusses the team's need to improve their home performance and adapt to challenging pitch conditions following their recent defeat in an IPL match.

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday fixed May 2 for giving its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by TCS employee Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the IT firm's local unit.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

'Nehru And Patel Were Like Jai And Veeru'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

'Gandhi was Thakur and Gabbar was Jinnah.'

I'm still not 100 percent. I've been under the weather for 4-5 days now: Kohli

I'm still not 100 percent. I've been under the weather for 4-5 days now: Kohli

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Virat Kohli expresses satisfaction with his performance despite fitness concerns as Royal Challengers Bengaluru secures a win against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. He also praises Rajat Patidar's aggressive batting and discusses the evolving demands of T20 cricket.

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

'May harm India-Israel ties': Oscar-nominated film delayed

'May harm India-Israel ties': Oscar-nominated film delayed

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The India release of the Oscar-nominated film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', based on the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces, is facing delays as the distributor awaits a censor certificate.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being 'afraid' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing corruption allegations and a desire to protect his children.

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier and arrested his brother in Uttarakhand. The arrest follows widespread condemnation and protests over Khattar's remarks at an event in Goa.

Asha Bhosle: Songs To Remember Her By

Asha Bhosle: Songs To Remember Her By

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

From sultry cabaret numbers to soul-stirring ghazals, Asha Bhosle crafted a sonic universe where boldness met beauty and mischief mingled with melancholy. Her voice didn't just soundtrack cinema, it liberated expression, challenged norms and gave generations permission to feel, flirt, ache and celebrate without restraint. Sukanya Verma salutes the legend.

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The demolition of statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation, leading to an FIR and government action.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan is 'Afraid' of Modi

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being 'afraid' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging corruption and a compromise of governance to protect his children.

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks, India says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addresses the Indian Ocean Conference, expressing deep concern over the West Asia conflict and its economic repercussions on energy, trade, and food security. India calls for a swift return to peace and opposes targeting civilians and infrastructure.

Not the country I grew up in: Naseer after Mumbai University drops him from event

Not the country I grew up in: Naseer after Mumbai University drops him from event

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has publicly criticized Mumbai University after being uninvited from a student event, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the current political climate.

South Africa win T20I series vs New Zealand with comfortable win in decider

South Africa win T20I series vs New Zealand with comfortable win in decider

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

South Africa sealed the T20I series against New Zealand with a convincing 33-run victory in the fifth and final game at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer On How Punjab Kings Can End Their IPL Curse

IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer On How Punjab Kings Can End Their IPL Curse

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are determined to win their first IPL title after a convincing victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, chasing down a 220-run target with ease.

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

Samajwadi Party Leader Faces Charges Over Eid Protest Appeal

Samajwadi Party Leader Faces Charges Over Eid Protest Appeal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A Samajwadi Party leader has been booked for allegedly urging Muslims not to celebrate Eid as a protest against a US attack on Iran, claiming it was an appeal from jailed leader Azam Khan.

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Iran execution shocks ex-athlete, sparks outrage

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former Iranian water polo player Reza Soleimani expresses devastation over the execution of wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and voices support for Iranian athletes protesting against the government.