News for 'Top Democratic'

SC bar assn drops farewell for retiring judge Bela Trivedi

SC bar assn drops farewell for retiring judge Bela Trivedi

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai on Friday praised Justice Bela M Trivedi for her career trajectory from the subordinate judiciary all the way up to the Supreme Court, where she became the eleventh woman judge to be appointed in its history.

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Andhra intelligence ex-chief held in Mumbai actress harassment case

Andhra intelligence ex-chief held in Mumbai actress harassment case

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Former intelligence chief PSR Anjaneyulu has been arrested in connection with a case involving the alleged harassment of Mumbai-based actor-model Kadambari Narendra Kumar Jethwani. Anjaneyulu is one of the three IPS officers who are under suspension for allegedly "hastily arresting" and "harassing" Jethwani without proper investigation in a case filed against her during the erstwhile YSRCP regime. The arrest comes after a complaint filed by Jethwani against the alleged harassment, and the subsequent investigation revealed the involvement of several IPS officers. This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny of officials from the previous YSRCP government by the current TDP-led government.

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

As it is we are being accused of...: SC judge responds to attacks

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Justice Gavai's comment came while the apex court bench, also comprising Justice Augustine George Masih, was considering a fresh plea seeking an inquiry into the recent violence in West Bengal during anti-Waqf law protests.

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that there cannot be a blanket stay on the law as there is a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre countered the pleas challenging the law's validity, asserting that the amendments were undertaken after a comprehensive study by a parliamentary panel. The government also highlighted the "reported misuse" of earlier provisions and the increase in waqf land, claiming that over 20 lakh hectares were added after 2013.

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.

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Operation Sindoor Outreach What Did Panda & Co Achieve In West Asia?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

'It is high time that the 'war on terror' is removed from our diplomatic toolbox.' 'Certainly, our parliamentarians have no role in it,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Top 1% Indians Earn 23% Of Income

Top 1% Indians Earn 23% Of Income

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Wealth, which can broadly be a measure of assets held as opposed to income earned, is unequally distributed.

Invoke 25th Amendment to remove Trump: Democrats to Pence

Invoke 25th Amendment to remove Trump: Democrats to Pence

Rediff.com8 Jan 2021

"The president's dangerous and seditious acts necessitate his immediate removal from office," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a joint statement on Thursday.

25k security personnel, 50k attendees: Delhi CM to take oath at Ramlila

25k security personnel, 50k attendees: Delhi CM to take oath at Ramlila

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Around 50,000 people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his Cabinet colleagues and chief ministers of National Democratic Alliance-governed states, among others, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Trump signs executive order to 'eliminate' Education Dept

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Trump said that the funds used to support students with disabilities and scholarships will be preserved and these duties will be provided to other institutions.

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'Muslims in Bihar under Nitishji's rule are safest than anywhere else.'

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Mamata removes CP, top health officials, but docs to continue stir

Mamata removes CP, top health officials, but docs to continue stir

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Following a meeting with the medics, she claimed that talks were "fruitful" and nearly "99 percent of their demands have been accepted", Banerjee said.

Rahul meets Kerala Cong leaders amid reports of dissent

Rahul meets Kerala Cong leaders amid reports of dissent

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asserted that the party's Kerala leaders 'stand as one' and were 'united' by the light of purpose ahead.

Biden refuses to back down despite Atlanta fiasco

Biden refuses to back down despite Atlanta fiasco

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

Biden, seeking a second term in the White House, stumbled and fumbled during the televised presidential debate with his predecessor Donald Trump on Thursday night in Atlanta, setting off alarm bells among top Democrats about whether he can stay atop the gruelling months ahead of the elections on November 5.

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.'

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

States can move court if Prez withholds assent on bill: SC

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

A bench comprising justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan on April 8 gave a huge relief to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government and cleared 10 state bills which were stalled and reserved by Governor R N Ravi for President's consideration, and also set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by state assemblies.

2 Democrats start impeachment process against Trump

2 Democrats start impeachment process against Trump

Rediff.com8 Jun 2017

Texas Representative Al Green, who has been one of the most outspoken proponents of impeachment proceedings against Trump, and even made a call on the House floor last month, was joined by California Representative Brad Sherman to move forward with the next legislative step in announcing the long-shot bid.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Governor has no discretion under Article 200: SC

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A Governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 of the Constitution in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers, the Supreme Court has held.

And The BJP Names For Delhi CM Are...

And The BJP Names For Delhi CM Are...

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

With the Bharatiya Janata Party a clear winner in the Delhi assembly elections, meet the BJP aspirants for the chief minister's post.

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

SC defers hearing on pleas against CEC appointment as per 2023 law

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has adjourned pleas challenging the appointments of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law. The court indicated the matter would be listed after the Holi festival break due to a paucity of time. Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, argued for an urgent hearing, emphasizing the importance of the issue and the potential impact on democratic processes. The appointment of the new CEC and ECs under the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, has been a point of contention, with petitioners alleging it undermines the independence of the election commission.

Ready to discuss uploading booth-wise voter data: EC

Ready to discuss uploading booth-wise voter data: EC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has asked petitioners in two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to make representations to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding their demand for uploading polling booth-wise voter turnout data on the ECI website. The PILs, filed by TMC MP Mahua Moitra and NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, seek a direction for the ECI to upload the data within 48 hours of the conclusion of polling in Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The ECI, represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh, expressed willingness to deliberate on the matter and suggested a meeting with the petitioners to address their concerns. The court has adjourned the hearing to the week of July 28.

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on February 19 for pleas challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court emphasized the potential consequences if any action is taken before the hearing. The pleas argue that the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the independence of the Election Commission and allows for undue influence from the executive branch. The court's earlier verdict in March 2023 called for an independent selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure the integrity of the Election Commission. The case highlights concerns about the independence of India's electoral process and the potential for political influence in the appointment of key election officials.

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding pleas seeking verification of burnt memory and symbol loading units in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court directed the ECI to refrain from erasing or reloading data during the verification process and to explain the procedure adopted for verification. The bench also expressed concerns over the high cost of verification and directed the ECI to reduce the fee. The court's directive comes following its previous judgement where it allowed aggrieved candidates to seek verification of EVMs.

China's World Cup dream collapses, Iran qualifies

China's World Cup dream collapses, Iran qualifies

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Coach Branko Ivankovic insisted China's World Cup qualifying campaign was still alive despite back-to-back losses to Saudi Arabia and Australia over the last five days leaving them bottom of Asian qualifying Group C.

Delhi: BJP has 16 MLAs with criminal cases, AAP 15

Delhi: BJP has 16 MLAs with criminal cases, AAP 15

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Thirty-one of the 70 candidates elected to the eighth Delhi Assembly have declared criminal cases against their names, according to poll rights body ADR. The figure is lower than the 43 MLAs in the seventh assembly who had declared criminal cases. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Delhi Election Watch, which analysed the affidavits submitted by all 699 candidates who contested the assembly elections, said the number of winning candidates with serious criminal cases remained a concern. The analysis found that 17 newly-elected candidates were facing serious criminal cases, including those related to attempted murder and crimes against women. The analysis also highlighted the growth in assets of re-elected MLAs. The 22 candidates re-elected to the House saw their average assets rise 25 per cent from Rs 7.04 crore in 2020 to Rs 8.83 crore in 2025.

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

In a move sending a strong signal to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- in a joint statement on Tuesday strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has predicted that JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will contest the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar in alliance with the BJP but may switch sides later, with hopes for another term as the chief minister. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, also asserted that Kumar's popularity has declined and he is unlikely to win a fifth consecutive term. He challenged the BJP to declare Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate, arguing that they would struggle to win seats if they did so. Kishor also criticized Kumar's leadership, accusing him of being "physically tired and mentally retired" and of "bringing disrepute to Bihar" by touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet. He said his new party will enter the fray to pull Bihar "out of the political rut" and that the state's much-touted prohibition policy is an example of the BJP's duplicity.

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Salvaging Marx From The 'Marxists'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

'If we truly wish to understand and apply Marx's insights today, we must reject the rigid dogmas that later 'Marxists' imposed in his name.'

Omar's party responds to reports of aligning with BJP

Omar's party responds to reports of aligning with BJP

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The National Conference on Sunday ruled out joining the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and dismissed as baseless a media report in this regard.

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

First-time MLA Rekha Gupta will be the new chief minister of Delhi, capping 11 days of suspense over who will get the top post after the Bharatiya Janata Party returned to power after over 26 years ending the 10-year rule of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party.

Why even form alliances, just...: Sena slams AAP, Cong

Why even form alliances, just...: Sena slams AAP, Cong

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Referring to Abdullah's comments, Saamana claimed that Congress actively contributed to AAP's defeat in at least 14 seats in Delhi, which could have been avoided.

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.