News for 'State Legislatures'

Parth firm will need to pay Rs 42 cr to scrap land deal

Parth firm will need to pay Rs 42 cr to scrap land deal

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

After Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the sale deed executed by his son Parth's firm for a prime land in Pune has been scrapped, officials said the company will have to cough up double the stamp duty, which comes to Rs 42 crore, to get the transaction cancelled.

Karnataka home minister says he is in fray for CM too

Karnataka home minister says he is in fray for CM too

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has hinted at his interest in becoming Chief Minister if there is a leadership change in the state. This comes amid demands for a Dalit CM and speculation about a power-sharing agreement between the current CM and Deputy CM.

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Delhi pollution worsens: HC questions 18% GST on air purifiers

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The Delhi High Court has asked the central government why it cannot reduce the GST on air purifiers, considering the poor air quality in Delhi. The court's concern is that the current 18% GST makes air purifiers unaffordable for the common man.

Breakfast meet round 2: Now, Sidda to visit DKS's residence today

Breakfast meet round 2: Now, Sidda to visit DKS's residence today

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The development is seen as a move by the high command to pause the leadership tussle between the two, and signals Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for time being, especially ahead of the legislature session from December 8.

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in over 200 of 243 seats on Friday with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as single largest party with about 90 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state.

Nitish 2.0: 16 ministers from BJP, 14 from JD-U. Here are the names

Nitish 2.0: 16 ministers from BJP, 14 from JD-U. Here are the names

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

NDA partners engage in intense lobbying to finalize cabinet berths ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Bihar government led by Nitish Kumar. The new cabinet is expected to include fresh faces from BJP and JD(U), along with representation from smaller alliance partners.

Kunal Kamra, Sena-UBT leader to get privilege notices over Shinde remarks

Kunal Kamra, Sena-UBT leader to get privilege notices over Shinde remarks

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The privileges committee of the Maharashtra legislature will issue a show cause notice to stand-up comic Kunal Kamra for his remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare will also receive a notice.

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

Governors can't withhold assent to bills for eternity: SC

Governors can't withhold assent to bills for eternity: SC

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has questioned the practice of Governors withholding assent to bills indefinitely, stating that it renders the constitutional provision of 'as soon as possible' meaningless.

'50 Congress MLAs' Defection Is No Joke'

'50 Congress MLAs' Defection Is No Joke'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

'Definitely BJP is creating trouble in the water. That's all. It's fishing in troubled waters.'

HC upholds probe into Munambam land, slams waqf board's tactic

HC upholds probe into Munambam land, slams waqf board's tactic

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The Kerala High Court has criticized the Kerala Waqf Board's claim on land in Munambam as a 'land grabbing tactic' and upheld the government's decision to appoint an inquiry commission to investigate the ownership of the disputed area.

BJP legislature party to pick Delhi CM at 7 pm

BJP legislature party to pick Delhi CM at 7 pm

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The BJP will hold a legislature party meeting on Wednesday evening to decide the new chief minister of Delhi. The party won the February 5 assembly elections, ending the Aam Aadmi Party's five-year rule. The meeting will be held at the party's Delhi unit office and is expected to begin around 7 pm. The 48 BJP MLAs will choose the Leader of the House in the Delhi Assembly, who will become the chief minister. The meeting will be held in the presence of BJP's central observers, whose names are yet to be declared. The new chief minister, after being chosen by the party MLAs, will meet Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at the Raj Niwas to stake claim to power. A grand swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Ramleela Ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony. The names doing the rounds for the new chief minister include Parvesh Verma, Vijender Gupta, Satish Upadhyay, Pawan Sharma, Ashish Sood, Rekha Gupta, Shikha Rai, Ravinder Indraj Singh, and Kailash Gangwal. Many within the party believe that the BJP leadership could choose a "dark horse" as Delhi's next chief minister.

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Election Commission has defended its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court, refuting allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters as exaggerated and politically motivated.

Centre, Chh'garh must ensure peace, rehab in Maoist-hit areas: SC

Centre, Chh'garh must ensure peace, rehab in Maoist-hit areas: SC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Referring to the enactment of the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011 which created a trained force to aid and assist the security forces in maintaining law and order in the state, the bench said in its view it cannot be said to be an act of contempt of the order of 2011 passed by this court.

Intense lobbying on as both JD-U and BJP want speaker's post

Intense lobbying on as both JD-U and BJP want speaker's post

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Intense lobbying continues among NDA partners in Bihar to finalize cabinet berths and the Assembly Speaker post ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Consensus is being sought between BJP and JD(U) for the Speaker's position, while new faces are expected in the cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for November 20.

Exclusion of 'creamy layer' from reservation is legislature's call: SC

Exclusion of 'creamy layer' from reservation is legislature's call: SC

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the executive and the legislature would decide whether persons, who had availed quota benefits and were in a position to compete with others, were to be excluded from reservation.

Officers ignoring MLAs' calls: Delhi assembly speaker

Officers ignoring MLAs' calls: Delhi assembly speaker

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Gupta sought to draw the top city bureaucrat's attention to the procedure and protocol to be adhered to by the government officers while dealing with the members of the assembly.

Stand up for MLA/MP, be courteous, Mahrarshtra tells babus

Stand up for MLA/MP, be courteous, Mahrarshtra tells babus

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government has issued a new set of guidelines for its officials on how to interact with legislators and MPs, emphasizing respect, attentiveness, and timely responses.

Sena MLA slaps canteen staff over stale food, says no regret

Sena MLA slaps canteen staff over stale food, says no regret

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Ruling Shiv Sena's MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly slapped an employee of a canteen at the MLA's hostel in Mumbai after complaining about being served stale food.

Outgoing CJI Gavai defends SC verdict on governors' powers

Outgoing CJI Gavai defends SC verdict on governors' powers

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Outgoing Chief Justice of India BR Gavai defends the Supreme Court's verdict on governors' powers, emphasizing the principle of separation of powers and judicial independence.

Sidda invites DKS for breakfast meet as BJP warns of no-trust motion

Sidda invites DKS for breakfast meet as BJP warns of no-trust motion

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited his deputy D K Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting to discuss the leadership row, amid an ongoing power struggle within the state's Congress party.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

One nation, one election bill: President can delay state polls

One nation, one election bill: President can delay state polls

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The bill which seeks to put in place a mechanism to hold simultaneous elections in the country has a provision for situations when election to an assembly cannot be held with those of Parliament.

SC okays 10 TN bills, slams delay, fixes timeline for governor

SC okays 10 TN bills, slams delay, fixes timeline for governor

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

In a landmark verdict, the Supreme court fixed a timeline for Governor to act on bills passed by the state legislature as it pulled up Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi for reserving 10 bills for President's consideration, saying it was against the constitutional provisions.

SC to hear presidential reference on timeline for bills from August 19

SC to hear presidential reference on timeline for bills from August 19

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings starting August 19 for the Presidential Reference concerning constitutional issues related to timelines for handling bills passed by state assemblies. The court has directed the Centre and states to submit written arguments by August 12.

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Even as the Supreme Court's anti-punitive demolition judgment nears its first anniversary, no formal contempt proceedings have been initiated either by the Supreme Court or any high court against officers or demolition squads who have acted in violation of it.'

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Assam assembly on Thursday passed a bill to ban polygamy, making it an offence which may lead to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, barring some exceptions.

Nitish Kumar set for record 10th term as Bihar CM

Nitish Kumar set for record 10th term as Bihar CM

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Nitish Kumar is poised to lead the NDA government in Bihar, with key political developments unfolding ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. The article covers the election of the NDA leader, cabinet allocation discussions, and reactions to the election results, including Prashant Kishor's claims and the family feud within Lalu Prasad's family.

SC upholds states' power to regulate industrial alcohol

SC upholds states' power to regulate industrial alcohol

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In 1997, the seven-judge bench ruled that the Centre had the regulatory power over the production of industrial alcohol. The case was referred to the nine-judge bench in 2010.

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Curbs after clash: Maharashtra assembly bans visitors

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Ministers will not be allowed to hold official meetings and meet visitors in the legislature complex during the session. They will have to conduct their official briefings and meetings in Mantralaya, the state secretariat, he said.

How Nitish Kumar managed to remain CM for 19 long years

How Nitish Kumar managed to remain CM for 19 long years

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Call it political opportunism or sagacity, his moves, in effect, have not allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister to date, despite enjoying a near hegemonic status nationally and the best performance in recently held assembly polls where the saffron party bagged 89 seats, followed by the Janata Dal-United with 85.

Fadnavis plays down his 'offer' to Uddhav Thackeray

Fadnavis plays down his 'offer' to Uddhav Thackeray

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday sought to make light of his meeting with Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray head and political rival Uddhav Thackeray a day ago and noted his government was stable with support from deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

Eknath Shinde elected as Shiv Sena legislature party leader

Eknath Shinde elected as Shiv Sena legislature party leader

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was on Sunday night elected as the leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party.

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The Centre told the Supreme Court that governors are not indefinitely sitting on bills passed by state legislatures, and that barring a few exceptions, most have acted in a way which the apex court would have perhaps desired. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a Governor is "not a rubber stamp" and has a duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Fadnavis reacts to Kunal Kamra's 'gaddar' joke on Shinde

Fadnavis reacts to Kunal Kamra's 'gaddar' joke on Shinde

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Fadnavis said, "The 2024 assembly polls results have shown who is a gaddar (traitor) and who is a khuddar (self-respecting). People have put a stamp of approval on Shinde being the true inheritor of (Shiv Sena founder) Bal Thackeray's legacy."

No seat deal yet, Cong issues first list in Bihar

No seat deal yet, Cong issues first list in Bihar

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Congress party has released its initial list of 48 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, including key state leaders. The announcement precedes the finalization of seat-sharing arrangements with Mahagathbandhan allies.

'Prime Minister's Inclusion Is A Constitutional Mockery'

'Prime Minister's Inclusion Is A Constitutional Mockery'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'This type of comprehensive legislation has never been introduced before in Parliament's history.' 'A bill that simultaneously affects ministers, chief ministers, and the prime minister represents completely uncharted Constitutional territory.' 'Throughout our nation's legislative history, the established policy has consistently held that public office holders should face punishment only after receiving conviction from a competent court of law. Without this safeguard, we risk systematic destabilisation, and our federal structure would face complete collapse.' 'Any central government could potentially deploy this legislation against state governments they oppose politically. This represents the most frightening prospect and dangerous possibility that these bills create.'

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

SC to examine if verdict on TN governor covers Kerala

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear on May 6 the pleas of the Kerala government against the governor over the delay in approving bills passed by the state assembly. The court will consider whether the issues raised in the Kerala petition are covered by a recent judgment on a similar plea by Tamil Nadu, which set timelines for governors and the President on granting assent to bills.

Uddhav, Raj claim victory after Hindi order withdrawn

Uddhav, Raj claim victory after Hindi order withdrawn

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said the Maharashtra government lost to the power of 'Marathi manoos' after it withdrew two GRs (government resolutions) on the implementation of Hindi, part of the three-language policy, in Classes 1 to 5 in state schools.

Maharashtra: Sena, BJP ministers tussle over officials' meet

Maharashtra: Sena, BJP ministers tussle over officials' meet

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat of the Shiv Sena has taken an exception to his junior minister Madhuri Misal belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party holding a meeting with department officials 'without informing' him, with the latter responded saying it was very much within her powers.