News for 'The UP Files'

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Oppn seeks urgent debate on police brutality at Gen Z protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties have submitted notices in the Rajya Sabha demanding an urgent discussion on the alleged use of force, including pellet guns, against students protesting the NEET paper leak issue. They are seeking accountability from the Home Minister and Prime Minister regarding the police action and alleged assault on protesters and journalists.

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Muslim side regarding the non-compliance of its directions to provide an alternative site near the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for Friday prayers. The Muslim side alleges the proposed site is unsuitable and too far, while the Solicitor General claims another location has been identified.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Ex-IPS officer, injured protesters move SC against pellet guns

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

A former IPS officer and two individuals injured during a recent protest in Delhi have filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns by law enforcement agencies for crowd dispersal. The petitioners argue that pellet guns are an arbitrary and dangerous tool, violating the right to freedom of assembly and failing the test of necessary and proportional force. They also seek compensation and medical treatment for victims.

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for an alleged 'double-meaning' remark alluding to actor Trisha, leading to widespread protests by DMK cadres and condemnation from various political leaders.

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

NEET-UG paper leak chargesheet cites accused's gate control app, digital trail

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The CBI has filed a charge sheet in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case, relying heavily on digital forensic evidence including an access control app and call data records. The investigation revealed that three NTA subject experts allegedly exploited procedural gaps to leak confidential questions for money, involving a beautician and a coaching centre owner in the distribution of the leaked material to aspirants.

Shimla Locals Parade UP Residents Amidst Harassment Allegations

Shimla Locals Parade UP Residents Amidst Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Locals in Shimla paraded several residents from Uttar Pradesh following allegations of a man harassing and blackmailing a 16-year-old girl. Police have registered a case under the POCSO Act and BNS, while also warning against mob justice and unlawful activities.

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Continue HPV drive, but beware of 'half-baked' vaccines: HC

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has declined to halt the Centre's HPV immunisation campaign, noting that data on 5.5 million administered vaccines showed no 'instant harm'. However, the court emphasised that 'half-baked vaccines' should not be given to the public and raised 'serious issues' regarding past protocol violations in vaccine testing and certification.

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

CJP protest: SC clarifies order, allows FIR withdrawal

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified that 'criminal antecedents' for NEET paper leak protesters refer only to grave and heinous offences, allowing state governments to withdraw FIRs against students not involved in such serious crimes. This comes after the Centre's commitment to not pursue cases against most protesting students.

'Sambhal violence an attempt to derail court-ordered survey'

'Sambhal violence an attempt to derail court-ordered survey'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

A day after the Uttar Pradesh assembly tabled the judicial commission's report on the November 2024 Sambhal violence, court commissioner Ramesh Raghav alleged that the mob had intended to attack the survey team and prevent the court-ordered exercise, while the Hindu side called for a detailed debate on the panel's findings in the House.

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

SC judge recuses from DMK leader's bail hearing

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Supreme Court Justice V Mohana has recused herself from hearing the anticipatory bail plea of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji in a new corruption case related to alleged irregularities in the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC). The plea, seeking pre-arrest bail, was filed after the Madras High Court dismissed Balaji's petition. The case involves a systematic cash-kickback scheme and overcharging at TASMAC retail shops.

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Sena split: SC says party controls legislature wing, but MLAs need 'elbow room'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, hearing pleas on the Shiv Sena split, observed that a political party retains control over its legislature wing and its valid decisions must prevail, but also advocated for granting 'elbow room' to elected representatives for political decisions if a majority 'genuinely disagree' with party directions.

IPO Rush: Zepto, Shiprocket, Truhome Finance set for August debut

IPO Rush: Zepto, Shiprocket, Truhome Finance set for August debut

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

More than a dozen companies, including quick commerce firm Zepto, logistics platform Shiprocket, and housing finance company Truhome Finance, are preparing to launch their initial public offerings (IPOs) next month, collectively aiming to raise over Rs 25,000 crore.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

When Being Malayali Came With A VIP Pass

When Being Malayali Came With A VIP Pass

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

As they say some doors open because of who you know, and some, it turns out, open just because of where you're from, recalls Binu Alex.

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

'Will monitor everything closely': SC on NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has informed the Centre that it will closely monitor the steps taken to curb NEET examination paper leaks, emphasising that 'ad hocism has caused trouble for years' and demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the examination process.

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

'Nims' Purja lived by the mountains, dies on one

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Nirmal Purja, the Nepali-British climber famous for scaling all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks in record time, has been confirmed dead after an avalanche on Broad Peak, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan.

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

NEET paper leak row: NTA floats Rs 7.5cr tender for security

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

In response to the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy, the NTA has initiated a significant security upgrade, floating a Rs 7.5 crore tender for comprehensive, round-the-clock security services to protect its critical infrastructure and confidential examination materials.

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Govt defends video-recording of Jantar Mantar protests

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has argued that video-recording of the ongoing CJP-led protest against the NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar is in 'legitimate state interest' for security reasons, while petitioners allege 'continuous, indiscriminate and intrusive surveillance'.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

SC to review anti-defection law's 'deemed merger' clause

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea by senior advocate Kapil Sibal challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule's 'deemed merger' provision, which allows MLAs and MPs to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, citing its 'huge repercussions on our polity'.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rajasthan HC flags unchecked construction on Udaipur hills

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over rampant construction on Udaipur's ecologically sensitive hills, questioning the state's hill policies and demanding records of commercial project permissions. The court's observations stem from a petition challenging a hotel project and an interim report highlighting extensive hill cutting and inadequate policy formulation, potentially leading to a suo motu Public Interest Litigation.

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

'We can't reach them': Families search for detained CJP protesters

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Families of students detained during the Cockroach Janta Party protest in Delhi said they had been unable to contact them for hours and did not know whether any charges had been filed, as concerns mounted over the whereabouts of those detained.

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

India's fugitive hunt intensifies, 274 brought back from 36 nations in 7 yrs

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

As many as 274 fugitives have been repatriated from 36 countries in the last 7 years, an average of around 40 per year and a 10-fold jump from the 2004-13 period when around four fugitives were brought back every year, the government said on Tuesday.

Shimla Police Arrest UP Man Under POCSO Act After Minor's Family Complaint

Shimla Police Arrest UP Man Under POCSO Act After Minor's Family Complaint

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A 22-year-old Uttar Pradesh resident, Ubaid, has been arrested in Shimla under the POCSO Act following a complaint from a minor's family alleging misbehaviour. Police have registered a case and warned against spreading misinformation after locals paraded two other individuals.

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN not proof of Indian citizenship: HC

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Calcutta high court has held that voter identity cards, Aadhaar and PAN cards are not conclusive proof of Indian citizenship.

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'What struck me at the time was simply the scale of it -- that something of this magnitude could be unfolding inside the Ram temple itself.' 'It was bewildering. And what troubled me further was the manner in which people were shielding it.'

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Supreme Court Permits Filing Of SIT Report In Gurugram Rape Case

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has permitted the filing of a special investigation team (SIT) probe report before a Gurugram court regarding the rape of a three-year-old girl. The court is also considering the role of doctors and compensation for the victim.

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

SC to hear Shiv Sena-UBT plea on Speaker's order on rebel MPs

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Shiv Sena (UBT) challenging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's decision to approve the merger of six of its MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The UBT faction argues these defections violate anti-defection laws.

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

No court relief for Azam Khan university but babu stays razing

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court dismissed a petition filed by a businessman on behalf of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University regarding the demolition of its buildings, citing that the pleader was an outsider. Separately, the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner's court granted an interim stay on the demolition of 38 university buildings until the final hearing.

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi: 'There's A Sensitivity In Gen Z We Cannot Imagine'

Suchitra Krishnamoorthi: 'There's A Sensitivity In Gen Z We Cannot Imagine'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

On the latest episode of The Rediff Podcast, actor-singer Suchitra Krishnamoorthi explains why she admires GenZ's courage and sensitivity.

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, which was dismissed due to alleged concealment of information in her election affidavit.

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Right to peaceful protest cannot be denied, doesn't justify police excesses: SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court asserted that the right to peaceful protest is 'absolutely guaranteed' and an agitation cannot justify 'police excesses' or a 'lathi charge,' while agreeing to hear pleas concerning alleged police brutality against students protesting the NEET paper leak.

Nestle India reports 48.26% jump in Q1 net profit to Rs 958.68 crore

Nestle India reports 48.26% jump in Q1 net profit to Rs 958.68 crore

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

FMCG giant Nestle India reported a significant 48.26 per cent year-on-year increase in consolidated net profit, reaching Rs 958.68 crore in the June quarter of this financial year, driven by strong volume growth and consumer trust.

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

'We don't want any untoward thing': SC on Asaram's health bail plea

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government for an update on the health of self-styled godman Asaram, who is seeking interim bail on medical grounds. The court expressed concern about his well-being, stating "We don't want any untoward thing to happen." Asaram's counsel claims he is a high-risk patient, while the Solicitor General noted he was recently seen walking in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath. The apex court is hearing his plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court's decision to uphold his conviction and life sentence for the rape of a minor.

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Parliament clears tougher anti-paper leak law amid Oppn walkout

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Parliament on Thursday passed a bill to amend the anti-paper leak law to introduce stricter punishments, with the government expressing its commitment to go the extra mile to safeguard the interests of students, who are the country's future.

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

The Irrfan Film That Almost Didn't Get Made

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'It would have never crossed anybody's mind where life would have taken us or that Irrfanji would fall sick.'

BJP Leader Alleges 50 Lakh Land Scam, Files FIR

BJP Leader Alleges 50 Lakh Land Scam, Files FIR

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A BJP politician in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, has filed a police complaint alleging he was defrauded of 50 lakh in a land deal. Police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.