News for 'Religion'

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Wrong to claim one religion as only true religion: HC

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that claiming a particular religion is the 'only true religion' is inappropriate in a secular country like India and could violate laws against disparaging other faiths. The court dismissed a petition filed by a Reverend Father, stating that such claims could fall under Section 295A of the IPC, which addresses acts intended to outrage religious feelings.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Kirti Azad on Gautam Gambhir's temple visit: Respect all religions

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad responds to Gautam Gambhir's criticism regarding taking the T20 World Cup trophy to a temple, emphasising respect for all religions and the dignity of athletes.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Rediff.com17 hours ago

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), managing the Sabarimala temple, argued in the Supreme Court that religious beliefs should be judged subjectively by the community, as the court hears petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com4 days ago

The BJP has defended its leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam newspaper, Deepika, alleging it was favouring the UDF ahead of Kerala's Assembly elections. The party claims it respects all religions and aims for equal treatment.

Mirzapur Man Arrested Over Alleged Forced Religious Conversion Attempt

Mirzapur Man Arrested Over Alleged Forced Religious Conversion Attempt

Rediff.com13 hours ago

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly kidnapping a young woman and attempting to forcibly convert her religion. The arrest followed a complaint by the woman's mother, leading to charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com4 days ago

BJP state general secretary S Suresh defends party leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam daily, Deepika, alleging its misuse for political interests ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls. The BJP maintains it respects all religions and aims for equal justice, denying any communal stance.

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Rajasthan's anti-conversion law

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Rajasthan's anti-conversion law

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the validity of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025, potentially impacting religious freedom and state legislation.

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has asserted its jurisdiction to determine what constitutes a superstitious practice within a religion, during a hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites.

Delhi Police Investigate 'Objectionable Material' Placed at Temple Gate

Delhi Police Investigate 'Objectionable Material' Placed at Temple Gate

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Delhi Police have launched an investigation after 'objectionable material' was found at the gate of a temple in the Dayalpur area of northeast Delhi. An FIR has been registered, and police are reviewing CCTV footage and deploying forces to maintain calm.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com1 days ago

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

UP Police Arrest Two in Muzaffarnagar Conversion Case

UP Police Arrest Two in Muzaffarnagar Conversion Case

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly carrying out unlawful religious conversions, sparking an investigation and legal proceedings.

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.

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Delhi high court is reviewing a petition to remove journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets, and seeks her stand on a petition seeking the removal of the allegedly objectionable content from social media.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, accusing it of misrule and hindering the state's progress. He appealed to voters to remove the TMC from power in the upcoming assembly elections, promising development and a corruption-free government under the BJP.

Widow of Train Shooting Victim Opposes New Mental Health Review for Accused

Widow of Train Shooting Victim Opposes New Mental Health Review for Accused

Rediff.com7 days ago

The widow of a victim in the 2023 railway firing incident has urged the sessions court to revoke its order directing a fresh mental health evaluation for the accused former RPF constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary, claiming he is attempting to stall the trial.

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain Scheduled Caste status, reinforcing existing constitutional provisions.

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.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

TMC Leader Accuses BJP's Shankar Ghosh of Discrepancies in Injury Claims

TMC Leader Accuses BJP's Shankar Ghosh of Discrepancies in Injury Claims

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh of inconsistencies in his claims of injury during protests, urging voters to verify the truth. Banerjee also criticised the BJP's neglect of Siliguri and the CPI(M)'s alleged support for the BJP.

High Court Upholds Right to Interfaith Live-In Relationships

High Court Upholds Right to Interfaith Live-In Relationships

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that interfaith live-in relationships are legal and protected under the Constitution, granting protection to a couple facing threats from the woman's family.

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

'Hinduism Is A Large-Hearted Religion'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If at all human beings require a religion, the future religion will be Hinduism.'

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of appeasement politics, encouraging illegal immigration for votes, and leading the state into misrule and corruption.

'Why mix religion with sport?' Adhir on Mustafizur row

'Why mix religion with sport?' Adhir on Mustafizur row

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

As the controversy erupted surrounding the removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned whether this action would improve the security of Hindus in Bangladesh.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com4 days ago

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee addressed a rally in Murshidabad, accusing political rivals of working for the BJP and promising to restore voting rights to disenfranchised citizens if his party returns to power.

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany Review: Colourful Futuristic Romcom

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany Review: Colourful Futuristic Romcom

Rediff.com4 days ago

LIK: Love Insurance Kompany is an ambitious film for its setting, but underscores in both the romance and the humour departments. The world-building is vibrant, the ideas are relevant, but the storytelling lacks the depth and conviction needed to bring them together meaningfully

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.

Rahul Gandhi Criticises BJP's 'Hate-Filled Thinking' and TMC's Job Promises in Bengal

Rahul Gandhi Criticises BJP's 'Hate-Filled Thinking' and TMC's Job Promises in Bengal

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to deliver on job creation promises during rallies in West Bengal.

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

PM Modi Blasts Mamata Banerjee's Government, Urges Voters to Oust TMC

Rediff.com6 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, citing misrule and corruption, and urged voters to elect the BJP for development and progress.

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Centre has supported the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple, arguing that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgement assumes male superiority.

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Gujarat House passes USS Bill after 7-hour debate

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Gujarat government has introduced the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, regardless of religion. This follows a similar move by Uttarakhand and excludes Scheduled Tribes and groups with protected customary rights.

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Hormuz Crisis Hits India Hard

Rediff.com1 days ago

The cost of the war is being counted not in the corridors of power in Washington or Tehran, but in Firozabad's darkened furnace rooms, Howrah's idle casting sheds, and a barbershop in Kochi where the wait is suddenly, inexplicably, an hour long, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

Rediff.com3 days ago

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra's Governor and Chief Minister, along with other state leaders, paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, recognising his profound impact on social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution.

Why Noida Police Officers Were Suspended in Rape Case

Why Noida Police Officers Were Suspended in Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Noida Police have suspended two officers for failing to include key legal provisions in a rape case FIR, including those related to unlawful religious conversion and the SC/ST Act.

Chhattisgarh Government Tables Bill to Prevent Forced Religious Conversions

Chhattisgarh Government Tables Bill to Prevent Forced Religious Conversions

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill in the state assembly to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation. The bill, titled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026), aims to curb conversions achieved through coercion or undue influence.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.