News for 'Personal Liberty'

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that cryptic bail orders need not be revisited, asserting that a person's liberty hinges on the prosecution's case rather than judicial inaccuracies. This observation came while rejecting the Uttarakhand government's appeal against bail granted to Abdul Malik in the Banbhoolpura violence case, with the court also questioning the invocation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An accused in the devastating 2011 Mumbai serial bomb blasts has been granted bail by a special MCOCA court, primarily due to his prolonged incarceration of nearly 15 years and the principle of parity with co-accused.

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Citizenship must be determined through...: SC sets aside Assam foreigner rulings

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that the determination of citizenship status in India must adhere to a fair, lawful, and reasoned process, setting aside Gauhati High Court verdicts that had affirmed orders declaring some individuals as foreigners. The court stressed that constitutional protections of equality, life, and personal liberty apply to every person within India's territory.

Child trafficking 'heinous scourge', says court, denies bail to accused

Child trafficking 'heinous scourge', says court, denies bail to accused

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A Delhi court has denied bail to Raj Kumar, an accused in an inter-state child trafficking racket, emphasising that child trafficking is a "heinous scourge" and an "onslaught on the moral conscience of civilised society." The court highlighted the vulnerability of children and the commercialisation of infants, noting that the complainant's newborn is still missing and the accused's wife has prior involvement in similar cases.

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Sovereignty paramount in drug cases, rules SC; cancels accused's bail

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that national sovereignty takes precedence over personal liberty, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking and psychotropic substances. The ruling came as the court overturned a High Court order granting bail to an accused drug trafficker.

If we don't act in matters of personal liberty what are we here for?: SC

If we don't act in matters of personal liberty what are we here for?: SC

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

Highlighting the importance of "personal liberty", the Supreme Court on Friday said it will be acting "in breach" of its special constitutional powers if it does not act in cases pertaining to the violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens of the country.

Married person can't enter into live-in without divorce: HC

Married person can't enter into live-in without divorce: HC

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Allahabad high court has ruled that a married person cannot legally enter into a live-in relationship with a third party without first obtaining a decree of divorce.

Travelling abroad a Fundamental Right: Delhi court

Travelling abroad a Fundamental Right: Delhi court

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

A Delhi court has affirmed that travelling abroad is an integral part of Fundamental Rights, allowing a woman accused in a money laundering case to visit Thailand for her children's summer vacation. The court balanced her right to travel against the risk of her fleeing justice, finding no evidence to suggest she would abscond.

Why Sushil Kumar's Bail Plea Was Rejected By Delhi High Court

Why Sushil Kumar's Bail Plea Was Rejected By Delhi High Court

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to Olympian Sushil Kumar in the alleged murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar. The court cited concerns over influencing witnesses, the gravity of the offence, and Kumar's conduct, echoing reasons previously given by the Supreme Court when it cancelled his earlier bail.

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

SC Sets Boundaries for Court AI

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

If AI-generated material is found to be 'false, fabricated, misleading or inaccurate', the person filing it will be accountable and cannot cite the AI-generated nature of the material as a defence.

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'There are days where I feel things are not going my way. I feel helpless, dejected and rejected.' 'But then what do you do? You wake up, dust it off and go.'

Aadhaar Act contravenes right to life and personal liberty

Aadhaar Act contravenes right to life and personal liberty

Rediff.com17 Oct 2017

Aadhaar-related schemes and the Aadhaar Act exist on the assumption that Right to Privacy is not a Fundamental Right.

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Trump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship despite SC setback

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at cracking down on 'birth tourism' and limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, weeks after the Supreme Court rejected a similar directive.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Meta India head booked over posts against Modi during CJP stir

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have taken action against Meta's India head and several social media account operators, registering cases for allegedly circulating morphed and objectionable content targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi amidst the ongoing NEET paper leak agitation.

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Kerala HC protects 'Kumbh Mela girl', bars transfer to MP police

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Kerala High Court has intervened to protect a young woman, known as the 'Kumbh Mela girl', from being transferred to Madhya Pradesh police without its order, despite a directive from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

AI Deepfakes Push Courts To Protect Identity Rights

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Personality rights violations are increasingly being used as vehicles for financial fraud, with unsuspecting consumers misled by fabricated endorsements.

SC grants anticipatory bail to Cong's Pawan Khera

SC grants anticipatory bail to Cong's Pawan Khera

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in a case registered against him for alleging that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife possessed multiple passports and undisclosed properties abroad.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

Why Supreme Court granted bail to Shabir Shah in terror funding case

Why Supreme Court granted bail to Shabir Shah in terror funding case

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah, who has been in jail for over eight years in a terror funding case, citing the unlikelihood of a timely trial conclusion and the curtailment of personal liberty.

Court Raises Concerns Over Prolonged Incarceration Under PMLA

Court Raises Concerns Over Prolonged Incarceration Under PMLA

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A special court in Delhi has raised concerns about the use of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) leading to prolonged incarceration based on provisional allegations, emphasizing the importance of upholding individual liberty and the rule of law.

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Calcutta HC slams TTEs for illegally 'selling berths like vegetables'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has strongly criticised travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) for illegally selling unoccupied berths, likening it to 'selling vegetables in a market', after such an incident led to the death of a drugged theft victim on a train.

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Press freedom can't shield irresponsible journalism: HC

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has highlighted the need for a regulatory framework for the media, stating that freedom of the press cannot be a shield for irresponsible journalism or content that endangers public order. Justice Girish Kathpalia expressed concern over the unregulated nature of a significant section of the media, especially with the rise of social media, and stressed the importance of restraint, fairness, and responsibility. The court also criticised "self-styled reporters" for aggressive tactics and selective reporting that can deepen social divisions, while granting bail to two men accused of assaulting freelancers.

Wildfire Smoke Threat to NYC World Cup Final Recedes with Weekend Rain

Wildfire Smoke Threat to NYC World Cup Final Recedes with Weekend Rain

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Concerns over Canadian wildfire smoke impacting air quality and player health for the World Cup final in New York are easing, with forecasts predicting significant rain and a cold front to clear the haze before Sunday's match, though hot and hazy conditions could still pose risks.

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rajasthan HC removes critical remarks on new transgender law

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has revised its transgender reservation judgment, reaffirming the constitutional right to self-identify gender while addressing concerns about the 2026 Amendment Act's impact on transgender rights.

America Marks 250 Years In Spectacular Style

America Marks 250 Years In Spectacular Style

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Fireworks, rallies, drone shows and patriotic gatherings marked the historic milestone from coast to coast.

Job Scam Case: Delhi Court Questions Probe, Grants Bail to Accused

Job Scam Case: Delhi Court Questions Probe, Grants Bail to Accused

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to two accused in an alleged job scam-cum-kidnapping case, citing gaps in the investigation and raising concerns about pre-trial detention.

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Indrajit Lankesh: 'I Was A Bridge To Deepika Padukone's Glory'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

'It was only after Aishwarya ran for 100 days and became a massive hit that Shah Rukh Khan signed Deepika Padukone.'

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

By taking one of the oldest stories and finding new meaning within it, Christopher Nolan has created the most timely film of his career, asserts Mayur Sanap.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

High Court Expresses Concern Over Police Handling Of Missing Minor Girls

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has expressed serious concern over the rising number of missing minor girls in the state capital, directing senior police officers to ensure effective monitoring and accountability in such cases. The court ordered a detailed report from the DCP (East) and sought explanations from the Police Commissioner, stressing the need for vigilance.

Bombay High Court Quashes Pilot's License Suspension, Cites Natural Justice Violation

Bombay High Court Quashes Pilot's License Suspension, Cites Natural Justice Violation

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Bombay High Court has set aside a 2011 Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) order that suspended a 61-year-old pilot's Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The court ruled the suspension "illegal and unsustainable" because the DGCA failed to provide the pilot with a show-cause notice or a hearing, violating principles of natural justice. The pilot's ATPL has been restored, though the DGCA is permitted to conduct a fresh inquiry following due process.

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Four Women Now Lead High Courts

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

There has never been a woman Chief Justice of India, although Justice B V Nagarathna is expected to become the first -- in 2027 if the convention of seniority is followed.

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge to her rejected Rajya Sabha nomination, reaffirming that the Election Commission is the sole recourse for such disputes and citing Article 329(b) of the Constitution which bars judicial interference in electoral matters.

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has quashed an FIR lodged against a married couple, criticising the police for interfering in consensual marriages and emphasising the right of adults to choose their partners.

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has quashed an FIR against a married couple, criticising the police for interfering in consensual marriages and emphasising the rights of adults to make their own choices.

Kumar Pillai Allowed to Return to Hong Kong, Not Singapore, Court Rules

Kumar Pillai Allowed to Return to Hong Kong, Not Singapore, Court Rules

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A special court in Mumbai has directed the police to issue a no objection certificate for alleged gangster Kumar Pillai's return to Hong Kong, his home country, after his extradition to India. The court rejected the prosecution's argument that he should be returned to Singapore, from where he was extradited.

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Judicial Independence Must Include Freedom From Algorithmic Influence: Justice

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna stated that judicial independence in the modern era includes freedom from algorithmic influence, emphasising that AI should only assist judges, who must ultimately decide based on constitutional values and human judgment.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.