News for 'Society'

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 To Quash POCSO Conviction

Supreme Court Invokes Article 142 To Quash POCSO Conviction

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court, using its extraordinary powers under Article 142, has quashed the conviction of a man sentenced under the POCSO Act. This decision came after the victim, who was a minor at the time of the offence, married the accused upon reaching adulthood. The court emphasised that this ruling is based on the peculiar facts of the case and should not be considered a precedent.

Odisha Police Invoke Stringent NSA Against Two Habitual Criminals

Odisha Police Invoke Stringent NSA Against Two Habitual Criminals

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Odisha Police have invoked the stringent National Security Act (NSA) against two habitual criminals in Mayurbhanj district, who are currently in judicial custody. This action was taken due to their extensive criminal records and disregard for law, aiming to prevent further acts prejudicial to public order.

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Big verdict: No RTI for BCCI, rules CIC

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Central Information Commission has ruled that the Board of Control for Cricket in India does not qualify as a 'public authority' under the Right to Information Act, effectively placing it outside the scope of RTI disclosures.

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

As the Shiv Sena marks 60 years, political experts highlight the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's existential crisis and the Eknath Shinde-led group's struggle for relevance in the face of a dominant BJP, a significant shift from the party's historical 'elder brother' status in Maharashtra.

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Mizoram Police Seize Over 1.5 Kg Heroin, Arrest Five In Major Drug Bust

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Law enforcement agencies in Mizoram conducted two significant anti-narcotics operations, resulting in the seizure of over 1.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 3.3 crore. Five individuals were arrested in connection with these operations, which involved inter-state drug trafficking routes from Manipur and within Mizoram to Assam.

Nagaland CM Demands Justice For Six Nagas Killed In Manipur

Nagaland CM Demands Justice For Six Nagas Killed In Manipur

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the "horrific and inhuman" killing of six Nagas in Manipur, demanding immediate action against those responsible. The incident occurred after Naga organisations facilitated the release of 14 hostages, but appeals for the reciprocal release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by the Kuki community ended in tragedy. Rio urged both the Indian and Manipur governments to ensure justice and called for peace and restraint among communities.

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the controversy surrounding the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony, stating that neither he nor his colleagues were informed beforehand. The issue has sparked political debate, with the CPI(M) criticising the move and the BJP accusing the Communists of insulting the national song.

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A Lucknow-based jeweller has raised concerns about the untraceable status of a three-kg silver lamp and other silver items he and his association donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His claims come amidst allegations of fund embezzlement at the temple, prompting a state-level SIT investigation ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Gurugram Police Accused Of Misconduct During Drink-Driving Check

Gurugram Police Accused Of Misconduct During Drink-Driving Check

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A retired army officer, Major Hemendra Singh, has filed a formal complaint against Gurugram traffic policemen, accusing them of misbehaving with him and his family during a drink-driving check. He alleges that police used a contaminated breathalyser, initially showed a high reading, and then refused a fair re-test, only for subsequent tests to prove his innocence. The incident reportedly led to the police fleeing the scene after he called for help, and an investigation has been launched.

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Nagaland Launches 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan' For Remote Areas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Nagaland has launched the 'Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan -- Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle' campaign to ensure government welfare schemes and essential services reach remote areas and underserved communities.

Mumbai Court Denies Bail To 71-Year-Old In Land Fraud Case

Mumbai Court Denies Bail To 71-Year-Old In Land Fraud Case

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A Mumbai court has refused bail to 71-year-old Prakash Dubey, who is accused of illegally acquiring 12,550 square metres of land using counterfeit government stamps and a forged power of attorney. The court cited the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation, stating that Dubey's age and medical conditions did not outweigh the gravity of the crime.

The Jasmine Murders: The Deadliest Thing in This Novel Isn't The Killer

The Jasmine Murders: The Deadliest Thing in This Novel Isn't The Killer

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Roopa Unnikrishnan's The Jasmine Murders is a novel that understands that the most unsettling mysteries are not solved in police files, but in the silences people learn to live with, notes Ragashree D Nair.

Doda Police Seizes Property Worth Rs 52 Lakh In Anti-Drug Drive

Doda Police Seizes Property Worth Rs 52 Lakh In Anti-Drug Drive

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Police in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, have attached a residential property valued at Rs 52 lakh under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The property was allegedly acquired using proceeds from illegal drug trafficking, as part of an ongoing crackdown on drug networks and their financial infrastructure.

Protests in PoK intensify amid crackdown

Protests in PoK intensify amid crackdown

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Shops and markets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remained closed following a protest call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), amidst reports of over 20 deaths in recent police action. The JAAC, now outlawed, is demanding subsidised flour and electricity, and the abolition of "refugee seats." Authorities have offered a reward for the arrest of JAAC leaders, while the PoK "Prime Minister" has called for negotiations.

CM Mann Asserts Punjabis Rejected Traditional Parties In 2022

CM Mann Asserts Punjabis Rejected Traditional Parties In 2022

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the people of the state rejected traditional parties in 2022 and will not allow their return. He criticised the BJP for alleged misuse of central agencies and the Akali Dal-BJP alliance, calling it fatal. Mann also slammed the Congress for internal rivalries and lack of vision for Punjab.

Auto Sales Surge In Punjab, Gujarat

Auto Sales Surge In Punjab, Gujarat

Rediff.com21 May 2026

About 181,750 units were sold in FY26 in Punjab, marking a 16.29 per cent year-on-year increase.

CJI Kant Advocates 'Swadeshi Jurisprudence' In Age Of AI

CJI Kant Advocates 'Swadeshi Jurisprudence' In Age Of AI

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that the Supreme Court views technology as an aid to human reasoning, not a replacement, and emphasised developing "Swadeshi Jurisprudence" tailored to India's unique conditions. He highlighted efforts to create an indigenous AI ecosystem for the judiciary and stressed that AI cannot substitute human judgment, empathy, or ethical discernment.

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

'Such attempts were made three times in the past. What did society say then? What did the court say? Despite all this, the Sangh's work kept growing. There must be valid reasons to impose a ban'

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Blessings of 140 crore Indians my greatest strength: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru's record to become India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister. He expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, NDA chief ministers, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for their wishes, attributing his achievements to the collective efforts and aspirations of 140 crore Indians and reaffirming his commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat'.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

CBI Uncovers Rs 661 Crore Government Funds Siphoning Scam

CBI Uncovers Rs 661 Crore Government Funds Siphoning Scam

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The CBI has conducted searches across Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Delhi-NCR in connection with an alleged Rs 661 crore fraud involving the siphoning of government funds from Haryana government departments and the Chandigarh administration. The probe targets public servants, bank officials, and a private consultancy, with a chargesheet already filed against some accused.

Why Delhi Residents Are Living In Fear Of Fake Repairman

Why Delhi Residents Are Living In Fear Of Fake Repairman

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Residents in northwest Delhi are living in fear after an unidentified man posing as a water purifier mechanic has been linked to multiple incidents of attempted assault and robbery. Police are investigating the incidents and have registered a case.

Cockroach party steals spotlight at INDIA bloc meet; leaders divided

Cockroach party steals spotlight at INDIA bloc meet; leaders divided

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The INDIA bloc meeting saw discussions about the emerging youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), with leaders holding divergent views on its intent and significance. While some expressed concerns about its political motives, many saw it as a healthy sign of youth dissent against the system, prompting calls for engagement and attention to the issues raised.

How Gurugram Man Drugged Flatmates, Stole Rs 6 Lakh

How Gurugram Man Drugged Flatmates, Stole Rs 6 Lakh

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Gurugram Police arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly drugging his flatmates and robbing them of nearly Rs 6 lakh. The accused, Deepak Maurya, used OLX ads to find victims and committed similar crimes in Gujarat using fake identities.

Andhra's population push: CM announces Rs 30,000 for 3rd child, Rs 40,000 for 4th

Andhra's population push: CM announces Rs 30,000 for 3rd child, Rs 40,000 for 4th

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced incentives for families to encourage larger families and reverse the state's declining population trend.

31 of 38 Naga, Kuki hostages released in Manipur

31 of 38 Naga, Kuki hostages released in Manipur

Rediff.com15 May 2026

These people were taken to unknown areas after suspected militants shot dead three church leaders and injured four others in Kangpokpi on Wednesday, while a civilian was gunned down and his wife was wounded in Noney district.

How Bollywood Celebrated Father's Day

How Bollywood Celebrated Father's Day

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Bollywood celebrate Father's Day with memories, pictures and sweet messages on social media.

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

How Godman Used Black Magic To Extort Millions: ED Probe

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, accused of portraying himself as Lord Shiva and using black magic to extort money from victims, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate.

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Hospitals Ready as World Cup Organisers Monitor Ebola Concerns

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have all described the risk of Ebola to World Cup host countries as low, citing measles, COVID-19 and influenza -- which spread when large crowds gather -- as the most likely threats.

'I love Modi. India can count on me 100%': Trump's phone call at live Delhi event

'I love Modi. India can count on me 100%': Trump's phone call at live Delhi event

Rediff.com25 May 2026

US President Donald Trump reiterated his strong support for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring that 'India can count on me 100 per cent' during a celebratory event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in New Delhi.

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Vidisha To Get Tata Memorial Hospital Unit For Cancer Treatment

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to establish a unit of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to provide advanced cancer treatment locally. He also inaugurated a free cancer screening camp and urged public awareness about early detection and prevention, including a social movement against substance abuse.

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

US Navy attacked 3 merchant ships, India lodges strong protest

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

India has strongly protested to the United States after three merchant ships with Indian crew members were attacked by the American military off the coast of Oman, resulting in the deaths of three Indian nationals.

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Police in West Bengal have arrested four people for allegedly attacking Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur. The arrests followed an incident where Banerjee's convoy was pelted with stones and eggs, leading to a chaotic situation. Banerjee, who was visiting victims of post-poll violence, claimed BJP activists were trying to kill him. The incident has sparked political reactions, with the Trinamool Congress blaming the BJP, while the BJP denies involvement.

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony also saw 13 other ministers, including a Deputy CM, taking their oaths, attended by prominent Congress leaders and religious figures.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on System: 'There Is Hope After Every Setback'

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari on System: 'There Is Hope After Every Setback'

Rediff.com22 May 2026

'It's so liberating when there are two heroes in the film who are walking along and being each other's strength. When that happens, it shows on screen.'

Ghaziabad Police Register FIRs Against Two Illegal Madrasas

Ghaziabad Police Register FIRs Against Two Illegal Madrasas

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Police in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, have registered FIRs against two madrasas for allegedly operating illegally without proper registration or approval from the Minority Welfare Department. The action follows the sealing of these institutions in the Khoda area and is linked to the recent murder of a 17-year-old, Surya Chauhan, whose alleged killer was later killed in a police encounter. Three individuals have been named in the FIRs, with one madrasa specifically cited for lacking various essential certificates.

TTV Dhinakaran Demands Strict Action In Coimbatore Murder Case

TTV Dhinakaran Demands Strict Action In Coimbatore Murder Case

Rediff.com23 May 2026

AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran has urged the Tamil Nadu government to take severe action against those responsible for the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district, highlighting concerns over rising crimes against women and children.

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

J-K To Treat Drug Smugglers Like Terrorists: Sinha

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that drug traffickers in Jammu and Kashmir will be treated like terrorists under the law, as part of the 'Nasha Mukt J-K Abhiyan'. He highlighted the severity of drug abuse, calling it a form of silent terrorism, and urged public participation in the anti-drug campaign.

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Punjab Jails Minister Warns Of Strict Action Over Prison Lapses

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab jails minister Dr Ravjot Singh has warned that jail superintendents and concerned officials will be held responsible for any violent incidents, security breaches, or administrative lapses within prisons, and will face strict disciplinary action.