News for 'The Observer'

Court Rejects Indrani Mukerjea's Plea To Travel Abroad

Court Rejects Indrani Mukerjea's Plea To Travel Abroad

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A special court in Mumbai has denied Indrani Mukerjea, an accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, permission to travel to Spain and the United Kingdom, citing concerns about her being a flight risk and the trial nearing its conclusion.

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Netas Walk Modi's Talk On Austerity

Rediff.com20 May 2026

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity, political leaders are reducing convoys and promoting public transport to conserve fuel.

Bombay High Court Orders Retrial, Criticises Trial Court

Bombay High Court Orders Retrial, Criticises Trial Court

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Bombay High Court has overturned the acquittal of a man in a 2015 murder case, citing failures in the original trial and ordering a retrial to ensure justice is served.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

Key Witnesses Fail To Support Prosecution In Thane Murder Case

Key Witnesses Fail To Support Prosecution In Thane Murder Case

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted 10 accused in a 2014 murder and rioting case due to key witnesses failing to support the prosecution's claims.

Watch: Vedang Sings Masakara To Sharvari, Impresses Rahman

Watch: Vedang Sings Masakara To Sharvari, Impresses Rahman

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Naseeruddin Shah, alongside director Imtiaz Ali and the cast, offered insights into the upcoming film Main Vaapas Aaunga at its trailer launch, praising the script and sharing their unique experiences.

TCS Nashik Unit Faces Scrutiny Over Harassment Claims

TCS Nashik Unit Faces Scrutiny Over Harassment Claims

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a fact-finding report to the Maharashtra government, revealing pervasive sexual harassment, systemic bullying, and zero compliance with the POSH Act at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The report details a toxic workplace environment and recommends strict action and compliance with the POSH Act.

Kerala CM Impasse: Congress Leaders Summoned To Delhi

Kerala CM Impasse: Congress Leaders Summoned To Delhi

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the selection of the next Kerala chief minister, the Congress high command has summoned key party leaders to New Delhi for discussions.

Thane Court Acquits Three In 2015 Trafficking Case

Thane Court Acquits Three In 2015 Trafficking Case

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A special court in Thane acquitted three individuals in a 2015 human trafficking case due to the prosecution's failure to examine the minor victim, who was allegedly forced into prostitution.

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Supreme Court Appoints Ex-CJI Chandrachud As Mediator In Sunjay Kapur Family Trust Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Asking the parties to participate in the mediation proceedings with an open mind, the apex court said they may not make any statements in the public and may not go on social media about the dispute.

TVK MLA barred from voting in Vijay govt floor test; SC to hear plea

TVK MLA barred from voting in Vijay govt floor test; SC to hear plea

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The Madras High Court has restrained TVK MLA R Srinivasa Sethupathi from voting, including in the upcoming confidence motion, due to a petition challenging his one-vote victory.

Thane Court Acquits Trio In 2021 Murder Case Due To Lack Of Evidence

Thane Court Acquits Trio In 2021 Murder Case Due To Lack Of Evidence

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A Thane court acquitted three individuals accused in a 2021 murder case, citing the prosecution's failure to establish their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and lack of supporting testimony from key witnesses.

Kerala Verdict: Left's Worst Defeat

Kerala Verdict: Left's Worst Defeat

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court referenced the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict principles while ruling on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex case, determining the site to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Professor Gets Bail In Student Suicide Case: Here's Why

Professor Gets Bail In Student Suicide Case: Here's Why

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A special court has granted anticipatory bail to a medical professor in connection with the suicide of a dental student, citing a lack of evidence linking the professor to the student's death.

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Hartal Disrupts Life In Kerala: Here's Why

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A statewide hartal called by Dalit organisations seeking justice in the death of a dental college student has disrupted normal life in Kerala, with protesters blocking vehicles and forcing shops to close.

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Severe heatwave grips India, Banda in UP scorches at 48 deg C

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Large parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels. Authorities have issued alerts and health advisories as the heatwave intensifies across multiple states.

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

Rediff.com9 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the temporary truce coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations commemorating the then-Soviet Union's role in World War II.

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Boxing Federation Agrees To Rework Selection Criteria After SAI Intervention

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to rework its selection criteria after talks with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) following the suspension of an assessment camp due to alleged irregularities. The decision comes after concerns were raised about transparency and fair play in the selection process for the Commonwealth and Asian Games.

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An explainer on the 'Thucydides Trap' and its relevance to current tensions between the United States and China, as discussed by President Xi Jinping.

Dog Trainer Jailed For Harassing Teen Online

Dog Trainer Jailed For Harassing Teen Online

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison by a special POCSO court in Thane for sexually harassing and threatening a teenage girl after befriending her on social media while posing as a female.

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Allahabad HC Slams Advocate For 'Vexatious' Litigation, Imposes 15 Lakh Cost

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition by an advocate seeking quick disposal of a maintenance case against his wife, calling it 'vexatious' and imposed a significant fine for concealing facts and misusing his wife's funds.

Mammootty: The Superstar Who Turned Flaws Into Firepower

Mammootty: The Superstar Who Turned Flaws Into Firepower

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Mammootty's greatness lies not in hiding his flaws, but in turning them into his most powerful acting tools, observes Sreehari Nair.

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

2026 will be a historic, landmark year for China-US ties, Xi tells Trump

Rediff.com14 May 2026

US President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss trade, technology, Taiwan, and the Iran war. Xi Jinping said that 2026 will be a 'historic, landmark year' for China-US relations.

Mumbai Concert Tragedy: Court Denies Bail To Organisers

Mumbai Concert Tragedy: Court Denies Bail To Organisers

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A special court in Mumbai has denied bail to the key organisers of a concert where two people died of suspected drug overdose. The court cited poor management and greed for money as factors that turned the event into a tragedy.

Buying Gold Bars, Coins? Read This

Buying Gold Bars, Coins? Read This

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'It has always been viewed as a hedge against inflation.'

SEBI Court Convicts Harshad Mehta-Linked Firms For Non-Compliance

SEBI Court Convicts Harshad Mehta-Linked Firms For Non-Compliance

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A special SEBI court convicted two directors and their five firms, linked to late stockbroker Harshad Mehta, for failing to provide information during a 1998 investigation into the manipulation of shares belonging to BPL and Videocon.

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Delhi Government To Address School Infrastructure Gaps

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A digital profiling exercise by the Delhi government has revealed significant infrastructure deficiencies in government schools, including shortages of drinking water taps, lack of facilities for children with special needs, and structurally unsafe buildings.

Why Supreme Court Acquitted Accused In Assam Murder Case

Why Supreme Court Acquitted Accused In Assam Murder Case

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has acquitted accused persons in a murder case, highlighting the dangers of inept or scripted investigations in criminal prosecutions.

If he's Singham, I'm Pushpa: TMC leader vs UP-cadre IPS in Bengal

If he's Singham, I'm Pushpa: TMC leader vs UP-cadre IPS in Bengal

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress supporters protested against an Election Commission-appointed IPS officer in West Bengal, accusing him of intimidating party workers ahead of the second phase of polling.

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, suggesting the Muslim community seek land elsewhere for a mosque.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Religious institutions need structure, cannot have anarchy: SC

Religious institutions need structure, cannot have anarchy: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stated that religious institutions must have structure and norms for their functioning, emphasising that the right to manage a religious institution does not imply an absence of order.

Four Arrested For Robbing Cash Agent In Delhi's Burari

Four Arrested For Robbing Cash Agent In Delhi's Burari

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Delhi Police have arrested four individuals for allegedly robbing a cash collection agent of Rs 4.18 lakh in Burari. The suspects were apprehended after an investigation involving extensive CCTV footage analysis and technical surveillance.