News for 'Indian Legal Services'

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Meta may lose legal immunity after govt calls it service provider

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Government sources state that Meta, due to its algorithmic amplification of content, can no longer be considered a "simple intermediary" but rather a "service provider," implying greater responsibility and potential loss of legal immunity. This shift comes as Meta commits to directly reporting child abuse content to Indian law enforcement, amidst increasing government scrutiny over harmful online content and algorithmic bias.

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar State Legal Service Authority to assist voters excluded from the final electoral rolls in filing appeals with the Election Commission.

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'

Palghar Court Hands Down 20-Year Sentence For Child Sexual Assault

Palghar Court Hands Down 20-Year Sentence For Child Sexual Assault

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A Palghar court has sentenced Madhu Dharma Govari to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor boy. The court rejected the defence's claim of improbability in a crowded locality, emphasizing that "bystander apathy" does not undermine a victim's testimony. Forensic evidence and the victim's credible account corroborated the conviction under POCSO Act and IPC.

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Apple removes Bitchat from India app store following govt demand

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Apple has removed the offline messaging app Bitchat from its India App Store following a demand from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Developed by Jack Dorsey, Bitchat faced scrutiny under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000, due to concerns about its potential misuse by anti-national elements and for evading lawful surveillance, especially during public disorder. This marks the second time the app has faced government action in India.

Prakash Rajpurohit: Election Commission gets a new deputy

Prakash Rajpurohit: Election Commission gets a new deputy

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Centre has announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle, appointing Prakash Rajpurohit as Deputy Election Commissioner and approving appointments for 27 civil servants at joint secretary and equivalent levels across various ministries and departments.

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Bitchat ban: Centre flags law-and-order concerns

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Indian government has ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey's Bitchat app from app stores, citing law-and-order concerns due to its ability to bypass communication restrictions. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the takedown demand under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, 2000. The government also addressed the issue of banning minors from social media, indicating a search for a better solution than outright bans.

IPO Guide: What To Check Before Investing

IPO Guide: What To Check Before Investing

Rediff.com18 hours ago

'Read the prospectus as a capital allocator deciding whether the business deserves your capital at the offered price.'

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Will Volkswagen be 4th time lucky with Indian partner?

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Volkswagen, a long-standing but minor player in India's fiercely competitive automotive sector, is now exploring a strategic partnership with the JSW group, aiming to revitalise its market presence, enhance profitability, and potentially establish India as a key export hub for electric vehicles.

India slams US green card curbs for IT cos, Vance's 'indentured servant' remark

India slams US green card curbs for IT cos, Vance's 'indentured servant' remark

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

India has strongly criticised the US decision to suspend the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program for eight major IT firms, including Indian giants like TCS and Wipro. New Delhi also condemned US Vice President JD Vance's description of foreign professionals as "indentured servants," calling it "unwarranted and deeply offensive." The move is expected to impact thousands of Indian tech professionals seeking permanent residency in the US and further strains bilateral ties.

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

ICE detains Indian-origin guitarist, green-card holder grandmother in US

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Two Indian-origin individuals, Pritesh Walia, a jazz guitarist, and Venkata Vasamsetty, a green-card holder grandmother, have been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in separate cases, highlighting the Trump administration's intensified deportation and enforcement drive.

Indian IT Firms Spend $1.1 Billion To Strengthen STEM Pipeline In US

Indian IT Firms Spend $1.1 Billion To Strengthen STEM Pipeline In US

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Nasscom said while the visa programme has been used by companies to address the skill gap in the US by bringing in foreign employees, the number of H-1B employees from Indian companies have come down substantially over the last decade.

GST Council proposes decriminalisation, scrapping arrest powers, and easier compliance

GST Council proposes decriminalisation, scrapping arrest powers, and easier compliance

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has begun deliberations on significant reforms, including decriminalising nine offences, softening provisions for 24, and raising the threshold for criminal prosecution to Rs 5 crore. The proposed changes also include scrapping the arrest powers of GST officers and introducing an 'invoice matching system' to combat fake input tax credit claims, aiming for a trust-based taxation approach and enhanced ease of doing business.

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

How Long Can The Modi Government Stay Deaf?

Rediff.com6 days ago

When it pretends to be deaf, a situation can snowball into something it cannot contain. The government cannot dismiss public anger merely because protests are inconvenient or politically embarrassing, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Dipke, Neha among 150 detained; flash protests continue in Delhi

Rediff.com5 days ago

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke and AISA chief Neha Bora were preventively detained by Delhi Police on Friday, preventing their participation in the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protests amidst heightened security in the national capital.

'Differing views normal part of deliberation': EC amid row

'Differing views normal part of deliberation': EC amid row

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India has defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, asserting that differing views among Commissioners are a normal part of deliberations and all orders carry full legal sanction, following reports of two Commissioners red-flagging issues.

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Police Probe Murder Of Retired IAS Officer In Bhopal, Househelp Suspected

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A 70-year-old retired IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his home in Bhopal. Police suspect his househelp, who has been missing since the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has condemned the killing and assured swift action, while the opposition has criticised the state's law and order situation.

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

One India, one time: IST to become sole official time standard

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The Indian government has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026, establishing IST as the sole reference for all official purposes nationwide. These rules, effective in 180 days, aim to synchronise digital systems, reduce reliance on foreign time sources, and enhance coordination across critical sectors like banking, railways, and telecommunications.

Indian family wants UK govt to repay 109-yr-old loan taken during WWI

Indian family wants UK govt to repay 109-yr-old loan taken during WWI

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Descendants of a Madhya Pradesh businessman are seeking repayment from the UK government for a Rs 35,000 loan made during World War I. The UK Debt Management Office has responded, asking for further documentation to examine the claim, which the family estimates to be worth crores today with interest.

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

ECs differed with CEC over centralised voter verification

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's Election Commission's centralised voter database systems, ERONET and ECINet, are under scrutiny following concerns raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding the centralisation of electoral rolls and control available to state election officials. The article explains how these systems work and why they are currently in the news.

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Nepal flood toll reaches 788; over 275 Indians, 128 PIOs missing

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

The death toll from flash floods in central Nepal has surged to 734, with nearly 2,500 people still missing. India has intensified its rescue and relief efforts, sending additional aid, technical teams, and forensic experts, while also working to locate and rescue over 275 missing Indian nationals.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Househelp Suspected In Retired IAS Officer's Brutal Murder

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A retired 70-year-old IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his Bhopal residence. Police suspect his househelp, Varun, who joined two days prior and is now missing. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured strict action, while the Congress party has criticised the state's law and order situation following the incident.

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

SC cracks down on cyber fraud, orders RBI SOP on mule accounts

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) within four weeks to deal with bank accounts linked to cyber frauds, including mule accounts. This directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen responses to cyber-enabled financial frauds, with the court also urging states and UTs to adopt and operationalise grievance redressal and money restoration modules.

The Sashidhar Jagdishan years at HDFC Bank: Crisis, merger, and scrutiny

The Sashidhar Jagdishan years at HDFC Bank: Crisis, merger, and scrutiny

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sashidhar Jagdishan, the managing director and CEO of HDFC Bank, has announced his decision not to seek reappointment and will retire at the end of his current term on October 26, concluding a six-year tenure marked by significant regulatory and governance challenges, including RBI restrictions, a major merger, and scrutiny over alleged illegal payments.

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

US, EU flag India's 'trade barriers' at WTO, citing high tariffs, QCOs, and digital trade curbs

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The United States and the European Union have strongly criticised India's trade policies at the World Trade Organization review, highlighting concerns over high tariffs, quality-control orders (QCOs), and restrictions on digital trade and services, which they argue undermine India's economic openness.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea seeking social media curbs for minors

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of electronics and information technology and law and justice regarding a plea for safeguards for minors on social media. The NGO 'Just Rights for Children Alliance' filed the plea, arguing that social media platforms should not enter into contracts with children under 18, citing their statutory incapacity to contract and the risks of online harm.

US, India to boost trade in legal services

US, India to boost trade in legal services

Rediff.com29 Dec 2006

India and the United States have set up a working group to promote greater interaction between legal professionals and to facilitate trade in legal services between the two countries.

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

US issues details of new Green Card rules effective from September 18

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating Form I-485 for permanent residence, effective September 18, 2026, with no grace period for older versions. This change, aligning with public-charge inadmissibility rules, significantly impacts Green Card applicants, particularly Indian nationals facing visa backlogs, who must use the correct form version to avoid rejection.

Uttarakhand Authority Urges Action On Brigadier Joshi's Compensation Plea

Uttarakhand Authority Urges Action On Brigadier Joshi's Compensation Plea

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority has requested the Dehradun district judge to act on a compensation plea filed by the family of retired Brigadier Mukesh Joshi, who died after being hit by a stray bullet during a shootout in Dehradun.

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal outlines new growth engines: Data Centres, Cloud, and Financial Services

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Bharti Airtel is strategically shifting its focus towards data centres, cloud services, and financial services as key drivers for its next phase of growth, leveraging significant past investments in digital infrastructure, as outlined by Chairman Sunil Mittal in the company's Annual Report for 2025-26.

'Bigger Attacks Always Compromise Humans Than Systems'

'Bigger Attacks Always Compromise Humans Than Systems'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Cybersecurity specialists warn AI-driven attacks require continuous threat monitoring instead of periodic security checks.

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rahul Gandhi Claims Modi Government Surrendering To US Pressure On UPI Charges

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of quietly paving the way for imposing fees on UPI transactions, alleging it's a surrender to American pressure. The government's recent notification exempts charges only up to Rs 2,000, sparking concerns that higher value transactions and eventually all UPI payments could incur fees. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, however, clarified that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to merchants, not customers, and supports digital infrastructure.

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Why ISRO Staff Are Worried About ISRO's Future

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

A rocket designed and developed by ISRO is being transferred to industry for production.
Nine ISRO associations want to know whether this is simply an effort to expand India's industrial capacity or part of a larger policy under which ISRO itself will eventually withdraw from rocket manufacturing.

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Maha doctors on strike over homeopaths prescribing allopathy

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) has launched an indefinite statewide strike, protesting the government's decision to allow homoeopaths to register under the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and prescribe allopathic medicines after a six-month course.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Operation Sindoor veteran is Ram temple trust's first CEO

Operation Sindoor veteran is Ram temple trust's first CEO

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. His selection follows a rigorous process and comes amidst a recent controversy regarding alleged embezzlement of temple donations.

Dubai fund transfers: Fresh ED claims against Vijayan's daughter in CMRL case

Dubai fund transfers: Fresh ED claims against Vijayan's daughter in CMRL case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has seized handwritten notes and digital evidence during searches related to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, Veena T. The agency alleges these notes detail fund transfers to Dubai and amounts handled beyond her known income, linking her to a money laundering probe involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and her defunct company, Exalogic Solutions. Political leaders have condemned the probe as a vendetta.

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Digital Banking Records Now Admissible As Evidence

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed The Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which aims to replace a British-era law and allow digital and virtual records to be admissible as evidence in courts. This legislation aligns with contemporary digital banking practices and extends a uniform evidential framework to various financial entities, including NBFCs and fintech companies. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the bill's role in strengthening public confidence and safeguarding customer privacy. The bill's passage, however, saw an Opposition walkout over unrelated issues.