News for 'Information Commissioners'

Disha Salian death: MLAs seek Aaditya Thackeray's resignation

Disha Salian death: MLAs seek Aaditya Thackeray's resignation

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Disha Salian, former manager of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, died on June 8, 2020, after falling off the 14th floor of a residential building in Mumbai's Malad area, six days before Rajput allegedly committed suicide in his apartment in Bandra.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

India-Belgium Defence Ties On Anvil

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

India and Belgium on Monday explored potential defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the maritime domain, and discussed ways to strengthen defence industrial cooperation.

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rape of Bhopal college students: Main accused shot

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The main accused, arrested for the rape and blackmailing of some girl students of a college in Bhopal, was shot and injured after he allegedly tried to escape custody by snatching a policeman's pistol, an official said on Saturday.

Husband key suspect in B'luru murder, hospitalised after suicide bid

Husband key suspect in B'luru murder, hospitalised after suicide bid

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The husband of a 32-year-old woman, found dead in a suitcase in Bengaluru, is the main suspect in her murder. He fled to Pune after the crime and attempted suicide by consuming poison. The police have detained him and are awaiting his discharge from the hospital to interrogate him. Marital dispute is suspected to be the motive behind the murder.

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

8 kids among 17 killed as fire engulfs Hyderabad building

Rediff.com18 May 2025

A blaze triggered by a suspected short circuit in a building near the iconic Charminar here on Sunday left 17 people dead, with a majority of them being children.

Was kept in dark on appointment of new CIC: Adhir writes to Prez

Was kept in dark on appointment of new CIC: Adhir writes to Prez

Rediff.com7 Nov 2023

Chowdhury said the voice of the Opposition has been "ignored" and that is not good for democracy.

Blackout back in many Punjab districts after Pak breaches truce

Blackout back in many Punjab districts after Pak breaches truce

Rediff.com11 May 2025

Blackout measures have been imposed in many districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Pathankot, Patiala, Moga, Kapurthala, and Muktsar districts.

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Amritsar hooch toll rises to 21; 10 held, 2 cops suspended

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Police said they have made five arrests in the incident. Those arrested have been identified as Prabhjit Singh, the main accused, Kulbir Singh, Sahib Singh, Gurjant Singh and Ninder Kaur, they said.

1 survives, at least 265 killed in AI crash in Ahmedabad

1 survives, at least 265 killed in AI crash in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

An Air India aircraft with 242 passengers on board heading to London crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, the police said.

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rule of law or rule of muscle power? HC slams Maha city planning body

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bombay High Court has criticized the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for failing to take action against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai. The court questioned whether the rule of law or the rule of muscle power prevails in the state, noting that CIDCO officers were threatened by a local sarpanch when they attempted to take action. The court directed CIDCO to demolish the unauthorized structures within a week and ordered the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner to provide protection to CIDCO officers.

CBIC Eases GST Rules, Checks Overreach

CBIC Eases GST Rules, Checks Overreach

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

The revised guidelines are aimed at curbing discretionary practices by field officers, especially the tendency to seek documents not mandated under the law.

Maharashtra angle to gangster killed in encounter in Chennai

Maharashtra angle to gangster killed in encounter in Chennai

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

Police in Thane, Maharashtra, have increased security at the Irani locality following the killing of a robber from an Irani gang based there in an encounter with police in Chennai. Jaffer Gulam Hussein Irani was shot dead by police after allegedly opening fire on them in Chennai. The Irani Basti has been known as a base for chain-snatchers and motorbike thieves. Police have stepped up security in the locality to prevent any law and order issues. The incident comes after a series of chain-snatching incidents in Chennai, which led to the arrest of two other members of the Irani gang. The gang is known for its involvement in crimes across India, including chain snatching and "attention diversion crimes."

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Canada leaked Nijjar info to Washington Post, didn't tell citizens

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Top Canadian officials have reportedly admitted to leaking details about India's interference to The Washington Post, but these specifics were not shared with Canadians, The Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

Twist in B'luru road rage case, now IAF officer booked

Twist in B'luru road rage case, now IAF officer booked

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose made an allegation in a video he shared that he was attacked and verbally abused by a group of Kannada-speaking individuals who chased him on a bike in Bengaluru early Monday morning. Terming it a case of road rage, police arrested Vikas Kumar, who works as a team head at a software company's call centre.

Disha Salian case lawyer faces action for 'scandalous' remarks on HC judge

Disha Salian case lawyer faces action for 'scandalous' remarks on HC judge

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The court also directed YouTube and a Marathi news channel to forthwith remove the video of the press conference and also restrained them from uploading it in future.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on February 19 for pleas challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court emphasized the potential consequences if any action is taken before the hearing. The pleas argue that the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the independence of the Election Commission and allows for undue influence from the executive branch. The court's earlier verdict in March 2023 called for an independent selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure the integrity of the Election Commission. The case highlights concerns about the independence of India's electoral process and the potential for political influence in the appointment of key election officials.

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A video and inquiry report have raised questions about the Delhi Fire Services' claim that no cash was found at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on March 14. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows fire fighters dousing flames on articles that appear to include half-burnt Indian currency notes. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice has initiated an in-house inquiry against Justice Varma and the Supreme Court has proposed his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after high drama over the 'kidnapping' of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, traced on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight which was diverted to Pune, the Sawant junior claimed he kept his 'business trip' secret to avoid his family's wrath.

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Student dies, 28 hospitalised after food poisoning at K'taka hostel

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A 13-year-old boy died and 28 other students were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at an unauthorized hostel in Mandya, Karnataka, India. The incident occurred after students consumed leftover food from a Holi celebration. The school has been operating without a license to run a hostel and was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events. The school owner, cook, and hostel warden have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state to protect aspiring immigrants from falling prey to unscrupulous travel agents. The massive operation, carried out on the directions of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, was a response to the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants by the US. Many of the deportees from Punjab and Haryana have alleged they were duped by travel agents who promised legal entry to the US but instead used the "donkey route" - an illegal and risky pathway. Police have registered 24 FIRs against travel agents and arrested seven. The operation was conducted under the Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act, 2012, which mandates travel agents to obtain a license, maintain records, and comply with other regulations. The police advised citizens to verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money.

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Punjab: Grenade attack on BJP leader's home, 2 held; ISI link suspected

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

A loud sound was heard at around 1 am outside Kalia's residence near Shastri Market in Jalandhar, police said, adding that no one was hurt in the incident.

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In what was perhaps the most critical meeting before full-scale war broke out, Shastri defined India's immediate war objectives to his defence minister, army, and air force chiefs: 'To defend against Pakistan's attempts to grab Kashmir by force and to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan would never be allowed to wrest Kashmir from India; To destroy the offensive power of Pakistan's armed forces...' A fascinating excerpt from Shiv Kunal Verma's must-read 1965: A Western Sunrise India's War With Pakistan.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Bengal to file review plea in SC over 25,000 scrapped school jobs

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Referring to clashes between police and teachers outside the district inspector of schools' office at Kasba in Kolkata, Pant appealed to the educators not to get involved in confrontations so that their plan to legally resolve the impasse does not get affected.

Badlapur accused death: HC orders FIR against 5 cops

Badlapur accused death: HC orders FIR against 5 cops

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Monday ordered a first information report (FIR) against five policemen for the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde, allegedly shot dead in a police van in September 2024, and setting up of an Special Investigation Team, noting that a prima facie offence is disclosed.

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Authorities in Ahmedabad demolished the houses of six out of 14 accused arrested for attacking commuters and rioting in the city. The demolition followed a mob attack on Thursday night in which three people were injured and several vehicles were damaged. The police are taking action against "anti-social elements" in the city, including preparing a list of repeat offenders and taking action against illegal constructions and encroachments.

'Operation Momos': How killer on the run for 4 yrs nabbed

'Operation Momos': How killer on the run for 4 yrs nabbed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

In December 2021, the victim was abducted and stabbed to death by a group of men after his social media post sparked criticism. While the other accused were arrested, Joshi managed to escape and was declared a proclaimed offender by a court in June 2022.

Traffic flow normal on routes to Kumbh: UP Police

Traffic flow normal on routes to Kumbh: UP Police

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Traffic flow is smooth on all major routes to the Maha Kumbh and vehicular movement in Prayagraj city is also normal ahead of the Maghi Purnima, police said on Tuesday.

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.

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Upset by BJP protest, Siddaramaiah raises hand at cop

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper and made a gesture by raising his hand at a police officer during a protest rally in Belagavi. The incident occurred when a group of people, allegedly BJP workers, attempted to disrupt his speech by displaying a black flag and shouting slogans. Siddaramaiah, visibly upset, summoned the police officer to the stage and instructed him to remove the disruptive individuals. The incident sparked a heated exchange between the CM and BJP leaders, with both sides accusing each other of disrupting rallies and resorting to violence.

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

India Strikes At Pakistan Airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Pakistan military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry told a hurriedly called press conference in Islamabad at around 4 am that th Pakistan air force's Nur Khan (Chaklala, Rawalpindi), Murid (Chakwal) and Rafiqui (Shorkot in Jhang district) airbases were targeted.

SC rejects Kejri plea in PM degree row, paves way for trial

SC rejects Kejri plea in PM degree row, paves way for trial

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti noted that a separate bench of the apex court had junked the plea filed by AAP leader Sanjay Singh on April 8 in the same case, who is a co-accused in the case.

Adhir wants names of candidates short-listed for EC

Adhir wants names of candidates short-listed for EC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

Ahead of the meeting of the prime minister-chaired high powered panel for selection of Election Commissioners, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written to the Law Ministry seeking details of short-listed candidates along with their 'dossiers'.

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Sambhal court asks for mosque survey report in 10 days

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

A court in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has directed the court-appointed commissioner to submit a survey report on the Jama Masjid mosque within 10 days. The survey was ordered following claims that a temple stood on the site. The court set the next hearing date for January 8. Tensions have been escalating in Sambhal since November 19 when the survey began, leading to violence on November 24 that resulted in four deaths and injuries.

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

14 killed in massive fire at Kolkata hotel, safety lapses exposed

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A massive fire that tore through a budget hotel in the congested Mechuapatti area of Burrabazar in central Kolkata on Tuesday night claimed at least 14 lives and left 13 injured, triggering a political blame game and calls for accountability.