News for 'Scheduled Castes'

BJP Or Congress? Who Will Dalits Vote For?

BJP Or Congress? Who Will Dalits Vote For?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

'No political party can antagonise Ambedkarite voters, particularly the neo-Buddhists.'

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

Azhar slams India-Pak cricket hypocrisy: 'Play all or play none'

Azhar slams India-Pak cricket hypocrisy: 'Play all or play none'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Mohammed Azharuddin has weighed in on some of the most debated issues in cricket at the moment - the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup fixture

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

Neither panacea nor...: Anand Sharma differs with Cong over caste census

Neither panacea nor...: Anand Sharma differs with Cong over caste census

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

Sharma's letter comes at a time the Congress has intensified its demand for a nationwide caste census and promised to carry out the exercise if elected to power in the Lok Sabha elections.

'I Don't Want To Box Myself'

'I Don't Want To Box Myself'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'Even though I'm just 31, I feel like I've seen a lot in my life, some voluntarily, some involuntarily.'

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'It is good for us if the JMM contests. That will divide the Opposition and give us the upper hand.'

Protocol breach: DU slams Rahul Gandhi's unannounced campus visit

Protocol breach: DU slams Rahul Gandhi's unannounced campus visit

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Delhi University has condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's unannounced visit to its North Campus, calling it a breach of institutional protocol and a disruption of student governance operations. Gandhi, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, interacted with students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the DU's North Campus, focusing on issues of representation, equality and academic justice. The university criticised the visit for disrupting the functioning of a key student body, the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU). The RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which holds several posts in the DUSU, also issued a statement criticising Gandhi's visit.

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

'ECI Has No Right To Ask Anyone To Apologise'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

'The EC should not have let the initiative go into the hands of the political leadership. By allowing this to happen, they have opened a Pandora's box.'

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat was unable to end its 18-year jinx in Visavadar as it lost the bypolls to Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party despite a strong campaign.

Cong supports 'historic' nationwide caste census: Rahul

Cong supports 'historic' nationwide caste census: Rahul

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

Gandhi expressed confidence that a vast majority of the INDIA parties will support and push for a caste census.

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Bypolls: AAP wins in Gujarat, Punjab; Cong in Kerala; TMC in Bengal

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party's Gopal Italia on Monday won from Gujarat's Visavadar assembly constituency and his party also retained Punjab's Ludhiana West seat while the Congress-led United Democratic Front wrested Nilambur from the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, according to results of assembly bypolls in four states.

When Kartik Romanced Ananya In Croatia

When Kartik Romanced Ananya In Croatia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday's romantic drama, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Teri Tu Mera, is set to release on Valentine's Day.

Chirag reaching out to Dalit MPs to challenge SC verdict

Chirag reaching out to Dalit MPs to challenge SC verdict

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas leader Chirag Paswan is planning to convene a meeting of Scheduled Caste MPs of different parties as he works to mobilise support ahead of his party filing a review plea in the Supreme Court against its judgment allowing sub-categorisation of reservation within the community.

'Fraud on Constitution': SC rules against religious conversion for quota benefits

'Fraud on Constitution': SC rules against religious conversion for quota benefits

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief in the adopted religion amount to "fraud on the Constitution". The court upheld a Madras High Court decision denying a scheduled caste certificate to a woman who converted to Christianity but later claimed to be a Hindu to secure employment benefits.

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

SC constitutes task force to address student suicides

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has formed a National Task Force (NTF) to address the growing concern of student suicides in higher educational institutions. The court took note of the recurring cases and directed Delhi Police to register FIRs on the complaints of families of two students who died by suicide at IIT Delhi in 2023. The NTF, chaired by former apex court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat, will prepare a comprehensive report, including the identification of causes leading to suicides, analysis of existing regulations, and recommendations for strengthening protections. The NTF will also have the authority to conduct surprise inspections of higher educational institutions and make further recommendations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns and eliminating suicides.

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

The Amjad Khan You Never Knew

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'The second Sunday after Sholay's release, Amjad and Shehla had taken Shadaab to Juhu beach. They were strolling leisurely when, to Shehla's shock, he suddenly picked up their son, grabbed her hand and pulled her along, urging her to run. They raced towards their car and had just managed to get in and lock the doors when all hell broke loose. Hundreds started banging on the car, shouting, 'Gabbar Singh bahar niklo!''

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

BRS to join hands with BJP? 'Kavitha's letter' sparks buzz

BRS to join hands with BJP? 'Kavitha's letter' sparks buzz

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A handwritten feedback letter purportedly written by BRS leader K Kavitha to her father and former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, highlighting both the negative and positive aspects of the party's recent meeting, has sparked discussions in Telangana's political circles. While the authenticity of the letter has not been confirmed, Kavitha's letter suggests that the party might be aligning with the BJP. She also criticized KCR for his silence on key issues such as 42 per cent reservation for backward classes, Scheduled Castes categorisation, and omission of Urdu from his address at the BRS Silver Jubilee event.

SC to consider in-chambers review of verdict on sub-classification of quota

SC to consider in-chambers review of verdict on sub-classification of quota

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The Supreme Court is scheduled to consider in-chambers on Tuesday a batch of pleas seeking review of its judgment which held that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes, which form a socially heterogeneous class, for granting reservation.

Is This Why Trump Turned On India?

Is This Why Trump Turned On India?

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Trade, defence cooperation and regional strategy had long formed the backbone of India-US ties, but the latest rift shows how quickly those pillars can be shaken by personal grievances and political optics.

States must exclude creamy layer from SC/ST quota: Justice Gavai

States must exclude creamy layer from SC/ST quota: Justice Gavai

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Justice Gavai, who wrote a 281-page separate but concurring verdict, said it is the duty of the State to give preferential treatment to the backward class of citizens who are not adequately represented in government jobs.

How To Apply For A Rs 20 Lakh Study Abroad Scholarship

How To Apply For A Rs 20 Lakh Study Abroad Scholarship

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The SBIF Asha Scholarship Programme for Overseas Education 2024-25 aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families across India, ensuring the continuity of their education.

Is Telangana Headed For Bankruptcy?

Is Telangana Headed For Bankruptcy?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Experts say the state's economy is grappling with hidden debt, rising welfare costs, and lack of transparency.

State can't pick and choose castes for quota, says SC, reserves verdict

State can't pick and choose castes for quota, says SC, reserves verdict

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

The Supreme Court, examining whether states can sub-classify the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for the grant of a quota within a quota, said on Thursday that the state governments cannot be selective in granting reservation benefits to backward classes as it will lead to a dangerous trend of appeasement.

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Afridi's remarks came as organisers confirmed the Indian pullout followed public backlash after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22- an episode that has now cast a shadow over the tournament.

'Nation first': Sponsor quits India-Pak WCL clash

'Nation first': Sponsor quits India-Pak WCL clash

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The two sides are set to face each other in the semi-finals of the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL), but deepening diplomatic strains and strong public sentiment in India have cast serious doubt on whether the match will actually take place.

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Got offer to conduct encounter of Walmik Karad: Suspended cop

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A suspended police sub-inspector from Beed, Maharashtra, India, has alleged that he was offered money to carry out an "encounter" of Walmik Karad, an accused in the murder case of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh. The suspended cop, Ranjeet Kasle, claims he mentioned the names of the individuals who made the offer in a local police station diary. However, a senior police official from Beed has dismissed Kasle's claims as baseless and demanded proof. Kasle was suspended earlier while serving as a sub-inspector in the local cyber crime department. Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted and killed last December allegedly for attempting to stop extortion targeting an energy company. Karad is among eight individuals arrested in connection with the murder and charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The state Crime Investigation Department (CID) filed a chargesheet in the case last month. Kasle's claims come amidst ongoing investigations into the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde. Kasle has demanded a central government SIT to investigate Shinde's death, believing it will reveal the truth.

Justice Gavai sworn in as CJI, to have 6-month tenure

Justice Gavai sworn in as CJI, to have 6-month tenure

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was on Wednesday sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Man gets life term for raping Covid patient in ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

A court in Kerala has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for brutally raping and physically assaulting a 19-year-old COVID-19 patient belonging to the Dalit community. The incident occurred in 2020 while the woman was being transported to a treatment center. The accused, Noufal, was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,12,000. The court found him guilty after a trial that involved examining 55 witnesses, reviewing 83 documents, and inspecting 12 material exhibits. The investigation was led by R Binu, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) in Adoor at the time.

Bihar caste survey: 6% graduates, 15% passed Class 10

Bihar caste survey: 6% graduates, 15% passed Class 10

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

There are nearly 80 lakh graduates in Bihar, which is around 6.11 per cent of the total population, says the caste survey report tabled in Bihar assembly.

Justice Gavai to be next CJI, have 6-month tenure

Justice Gavai to be next CJI, have 6-month tenure

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recommended Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai as the next CJI. Justice Gavai, the second most senior Supreme Court judge, will become the 52nd CJI on May 14, 2024, after CJI Khanna's retirement on May 13. Justice Gavai has served on several important Constitution benches and has been a part of landmark verdicts, including the one upholding the Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370.

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India has initiated the process to hold the vice presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation. The electoral college is being constituted, and the election schedule will be announced soon.

'Islam has another law': Grand Mufti who helped defer Nimisha's execution

'Islam has another law': Grand Mufti who helped defer Nimisha's execution

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The Grand Mufti said that in Islam, there is a law which allows the victim's family to pardon the murderer.

Will INDIA's Caste Card Work Against Modi?

Will INDIA's Caste Card Work Against Modi?

Rediff.com8 Nov 2023

'Bihar's caste survey has bolstered the Opposition parties, but one shouldn't forget that the BJP is also trying to present itself as a party that cares for the OBCs more than other parties,' points out Sanjay Kumar.

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Karnataka assembly clears 4% Muslim quota in contracts

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed a Bill providing 4% reservation for Muslims in public contracts, sparking protests from the opposition BJP. The Bill, which amends the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (KTPP) Act, aims to increase Muslim participation in government contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore for civil works and Rs 1 crore for goods and services. The BJP criticized the move as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in court.

Ranbir-Yash's Ramayana: All The Details Here

Ranbir-Yash's Ramayana: All The Details Here

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

The first glimpse of Director Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana was unveiled at a packed IMAX auditorium in Mumbai.

No creamy layer provision in SC/ST quota in Constitution: Union Cabinet

No creamy layer provision in SC/ST quota in Constitution: Union Cabinet

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a detailed discussion on the Supreme Court judgement on the sub-categorisation of reservation for SCs and STs as granted in the Constitution.

Assam scribe held in second case after securing bail

Assam scribe held in second case after securing bail

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Assam journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder was arrested for a second time on Thursday after being granted bail in a previous case where he was accused of attempting to steal bank documents. The arrest came after Mozumder questioned the Managing Director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank Limited about alleged financial irregularities. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Mozumder is not a "recognized journalist" as the government only recognizes journalists from print and electronic media.