News for 'The Observer'

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a woman who was allegedly harassed for dowry. Her family had requested a second autopsy, which was initially rejected by a court.

Hindu Woman Entitled To Maintenance In Muslim Marriage: Calcutta HC

Hindu Woman Entitled To Maintenance In Muslim Marriage: Calcutta HC

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has upheld a magistrate court's decision to grant interim maintenance to a Hindu woman who married a man according to Muslim rites and customs, citing Supreme Court precedents on the husband's liability for maintenance until the marriage is declared void.

Kerala Rights Body Orders Payout In Police Pepper Spray Case

Kerala Rights Body Orders Payout In Police Pepper Spray Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the state government to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to a man who alleged that a sub-inspector sprayed a liquid, suspected to be pepper spray, into his eyes at a police station in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Chandigarh Embraces 'No Car Day' To Cut Fuel Consumption

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Chandigarh observed its first 'no car day' with officials using electric buses and bicycles, following the governor's appeal to cut fuel consumption and promote eco-friendly transportation.

Delhi Court: Police Evidence Unreliable In 2020 Riots Case

Delhi Court: Police Evidence Unreliable In 2020 Riots Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A Delhi court acquitted four men accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, citing unreliable police testimonies contradicted by investigation records and other evidence.

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

At 89, My Father Chose Ayodhya, Varanasi, Sikkim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Sacred spots and soaring peaks: Bucket-listing across the heartland. Roopa Unnikrishnan and her father journey through the heart of India.

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Repolling is taking place in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following reports of electoral malpractices during the previous phase of voting. The Election Commission ordered the repolls, and voting is being conducted under tight security with webcasting to monitor the proceedings.

Delhi Court Orders Release Of Man Wrongly Arrested In Holi Clash Case

Delhi Court Orders Release Of Man Wrongly Arrested In Holi Clash Case

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A Delhi court has ordered the immediate release of a man mistakenly arrested in connection with a fatal clash between two families during Holi in Uttam Nagar. The court criticised the investigating officer for not taking prompt action despite knowing about the wrongful arrest.

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Hindu groups organised a 'victory celebration' at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district after the ASI granted the community unrestricted access to the monument for worship.

Why Threatening To Post Bathing Video Online Is Criminal Intimidation

Why Threatening To Post Bathing Video Online Is Criminal Intimidation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that threatening to publish a video of a woman disrobing or bathing on social media constitutes criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Cockroach Janata Party, which according to Dipke had 201,000 followers on X, came about following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant using "parasites" and "cockroaches" while pulling up a lawyer for his plea seeking senior designation.

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.

Out of 25 lakh SIR appeals, 4043 names back in Bengal voter rolls

Out of 25 lakh SIR appeals, 4043 names back in Bengal voter rolls

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Appellate tribunals in West Bengal have only disposed of a small fraction of the appeals filed against decisions made during the electoral roll revision, raising concerns about the efficiency of the process.

Man Gets Life For Electrocution Murder Of Wife In UP

Man Gets Life For Electrocution Murder Of Wife In UP

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A local court in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of his mentally challenged wife. The man repeatedly electrocuted her while she was tied to a cot in their home.

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Apart from Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the Barasat MP, those attending the meeting included TMC MLAs Anisur Rahaman Biswas of Deganga, Bina Mondal of Swarupnagar, Mohammad Abdul Matin of Haroa and three more legislators from the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas district.

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

CPI(M) Condemns ED Raids On Kerala CM As Political Attack

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders have strongly criticised the ED raids on former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others, alleging political motivation and a conspiracy by the BJP and Congress. They claim the raids are an attempt to intimidate the party and its leaders, and have vowed to fight back against what they see as a politically fabricated case.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Court Questions WFI Over Vinesh Phogat's Ineligibility For Asian Games

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has criticised the Wrestling Federation of India for declaring Vinesh Phogat ineligible for domestic events and has asked the Centre to form an expert panel to evaluate her participation in the upcoming Asian Games selection trials.

EC assessing repoll plea in 77 booths in Bengal

EC assessing repoll plea in 77 booths in Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Demands for repolling are generally made by political parties, candidates, polling agents, or even observers, citing specific irregularities such as EVM malfunction, booth capturing, intimidation, or violation of the secrecy of voting.

System Review: Courtroom Drama Lacks Spirit

System Review: Courtroom Drama Lacks Spirit

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari's courtroom drama System falls short due to muddled narrative and uninspired execution, observes Sukanya Verma.

Chlorine gas leaks from defunct water plant in Pune; 24 hospitalised

Chlorine gas leaks from defunct water plant in Pune; 24 hospitalised

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A chlorine gas leak in Pune has resulted in the hospitalisation of at least 22 residents and two firemen. The leak originated from an abandoned tank at a defunct water purification plant.

Bombay High Court Upholds Acquittal In Sohrabuddin Shaikh Case

Bombay High Court Upholds Acquittal In Sohrabuddin Shaikh Case

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Bombay High Court has upheld the acquittal of 22 accused in the 2005 Sohrabuddin Shaikh fake encounter case, citing a lack of evidence and broken links in the prosecution's case.

Lucknow University Professor Suspended For Alleged Student Harassment

Lucknow University Professor Suspended For Alleged Student Harassment

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Lucknow University has suspended an assistant professor following allegations of inappropriate behaviour and attempted enticement of a female student with a leaked question paper.

Supreme Court Prioritises Victims In Fraud Case Plea

Supreme Court Prioritises Victims In Fraud Case Plea

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea from a Dubai-based businessman seeking consolidation of 24 criminal cases against him, emphasising the need for a victim-centric judicial approach.

Wedding Procession Delayed: Consumer Commission Orders Compensation

Wedding Procession Delayed: Consumer Commission Orders Compensation

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A Delhi consumer commission has directed a transport service provider to refund money and pay compensation to a man whose wedding procession was delayed after a hired bus broke down.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Red alert issued as UP under severe heatwave; Banda boils at 47.6 degrees C

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Uttar Pradesh is experiencing an intense heatwave, with Banda recording the highest temperature at 47.6 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a 'Red Colour Warning' for severe heatwave conditions. The extreme heat is disrupting daily life and economic activity, prompting government action to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.

Accused Acquitted In 2022 Robbery Case: Here's Why

Accused Acquitted In 2022 Robbery Case: Here's Why

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A special court in Thane acquitted a 43-year-old man in a 2022 robbery case, citing the prosecution's failure to prove the accused's identity beyond reasonable doubt. The man was also booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA).

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

Court Slams CBI In Income Tax Officer's Acquittal

Court Slams CBI In Income Tax Officer's Acquittal

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A court in Thane acquitted a suspended Income Tax Officer and his wife in a 2007 disproportionate assets case, criticising the CBI for a flawed investigation.

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Delhi govt mandates WFH, Metro rides for ministers, officials to save fuel

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to conserve fuel, including work from home for government offices, increased use of public transport, and reduced fuel quotas for officers.

'Sad that they have not learnt their lessons': SC raps NTA over NEET leak

'Sad that they have not learnt their lessons': SC raps NTA over NEET leak

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court on Monday said it was sad that National Testing Agency has not learn lessons from the earlier NEET paper leak as it sought response from the Centre, NTA and Central Bureau of Investigation on pleas for replacement of the testing agency with a robust and autonomous body to conduct the medical entrance exam.

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.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.