News for 'allahabad'

As govt drags feet, court junks plea on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

As govt drags feet, court junks plea on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has disposed of a petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship, allowing the petitioner to explore other legal options. The court stated that since the central government couldn't provide a timeframe for resolving the petitioner's complaint, there was no reason to keep the petition pending.

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Cash row: HC probe report, SC video cast doubt on Delhi fire chief's claim

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

A video and inquiry report have raised questions about the Delhi Fire Services' claim that no cash was found at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on March 14. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows fire fighters dousing flames on articles that appear to include half-burnt Indian currency notes. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice has initiated an in-house inquiry against Justice Varma and the Supreme Court has proposed his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

FBI chief condemns Pahalgam attack, pledges full support to India

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Kash Patel pledged full support to India, calling the act a reminder of the constant threats that the world faces from the evil of terrorism.

Complete break down of rule of law in Uttar Pradesh: SC

Complete break down of rule of law in Uttar Pradesh: SC

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh police for filing FIRs in civil cases, stating there is a "complete breakdown of rule of law" in the state. The court expressed its displeasure after discovering FIRs filed by the UP police in civil disputes, questioning the use of criminal law in such matters. The Chief Justice highlighted the absurdity of converting civil disputes into criminal cases, emphasizing that non-payment of money cannot be considered a criminal offense. The bench has summoned the investigating officer to justify the registration of an FIR in a specific case, and has stayed criminal proceedings against the accused while allowing the cheque bounce case to continue.

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'According to JP, Indira Gandhi was not much of a danger to democracy. He said, it was Sanjay Gandhi and his gang.'

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Justice Vinod Diwaker made the observation while rejecting a plea to cancel an FIR against four people accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

Allahabad University assistant prof booked over remarks on Hindu deities

Allahabad University assistant prof booked over remarks on Hindu deities

Rediff.com22 Oct 2023

The action came Sunday evening at the joint complaint of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Hindu Jagran Manch, and Bajrang Dal.

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Shakti Dubey tops 2024 civil services exam; women dominate top 5

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Shakti Dubey has topped the civil services examination 2024, with Harshita Goyal and Dongre Archit Parag getting the second and third ranks, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced on Tuesday. The top five successful candidates comprise three women and two men. The civil services examination is conducted annually in three stages -- preliminary, main and interview -- by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. A total of 1,009 candidates -- 725 men and 284 women -- have been recommended by the UPSC for appointment to various services.

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra.

ASI team assesses Sambhal mosque for whitewashing after court order

ASI team assesses Sambhal mosque for whitewashing after court order

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team on Thursday carried out measurements and assessments ahead of the planned whitewashing and renovation work of the Shahi Jama Masjid, officials said.

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

"I had said on the soil of Bahraich that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and that the national heroes must be honoured. And 1,000 years ago, such a tale of courage and bravery was written by Maharaja Suheldev on this very soil of Bahraich," Adityanath said.

Maha Kumbh: 7 Must-Visit Towns To Explore Near Prayagraj

Maha Kumbh: 7 Must-Visit Towns To Explore Near Prayagraj

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

After visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela, why not travel a little further and visit nearby towns of interest? There are loads of places, 100 odd km from Allahabad that have historical significance or are spiritual sites or places of rich cultural heritage. Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com acquaints you with 7.

Delhi fire chief denies cash recovery at judge's home

Delhi fire chief denies cash recovery at judge's home

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg has stated that no cash was found during firefighting operations at the residence of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. The fire occurred on March 14 and was contained within a storeroom. The Supreme Court collegium has initiated an inquiry against Varma following allegations of a large stash of cash being discovered at his residence during the fire.

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Upholding constitutional ethos hallmark of CJI Sanjiv Khanna's tenure

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Some of his directives had the Supreme Court judges disclose their assets whereas the row over the discovery of cash from a sitting judge's official residence paved way for inquiry.

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

SC orders CBI probe on 'builders-banks nexus'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Observing an "unholy nexus" between the banks and developers to dupe homebuyers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the CBI to register seven preliminary enquiries against builders in NCR, including Supertech Limited.

Liking obscene post not an offence under IT Act: Court

Liking obscene post not an offence under IT Act: Court

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that simply liking a social media post does not constitute publishing obscene material under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The court quashed criminal proceedings against a man who was accused of liking a post that led to a gathering of people. The court found that the man had merely liked a message and no offensive content was found on his social media accounts.

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, 61, who recently visited Kashi Vishwanath Temple, in Varanasi and the Kumbh in Allahabad, is both a business executive and philanthropist.

Legal experts hail CJI's decision on Delhi HC judge cash row

Legal experts hail CJI's decision on Delhi HC judge cash row

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Legal experts have lauded Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna's decision to make public crucial documents related to a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of cash from Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma's residence. They also welcomed the formation of an in-house committee to further investigate the matter. While some expressed concerns about the incident's impact on the judiciary's image, others emphasized the need for transparency and a fair inquiry. The Supreme Court released the inquiry report by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, which included photos and videos of the alleged cash discovery. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, calling them a "conspiracy to frame and malign him."

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the mosque management committee challenging an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on January 15. The Allahabad High Court had rejected the mosque committee's plea, stating that the religious character of the Shahi Idgah mosque needed to be determined. The case involves claims that the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple, a claim disputed by the mosque committee. The Supreme Court will now decide on the maintainability of the mosque committee's plea.

5 Places To Visit In Prayagraj

5 Places To Visit In Prayagraj

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

If you are visiting Allahabad or Prayagraj, during the Kumbh Mela, you can also explore the historical and culutral landmarks too.

UP minister wants Shahjahan Garden renamed after Ahilyabai Holkar

UP minister wants Shahjahan Garden renamed after Ahilyabai Holkar

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Women Welfare Minister Baby Rani Maurya has proposed renaming the Mughal-era Shahjahan Garden in Agra after the Malwa Kingdom queen Ahilyabai Holkar, citing her contributions to women's empowerment. The proposal has sparked debate, with opposition parties criticizing it as a tactic to divert attention from pressing issues. The UP government has already renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj and Faizabad as Ayodhya.

Cash row judge absent from HC administrative panels

Cash row judge absent from HC administrative panels

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Justice Yashwant Varma, embroiled in the cash discovery row following a fire at his residence, has been excluded from all administrative committees of the Delhi High Court. The committees were recently reconstituted, with all other judges, including the Chief Justice, included. Justice Varma was previously a member of several committees. His work was withdrawn following a directive from the Chief Justice of India, who has also ordered an in-house inquiry into the allegations.

Couples marrying against parents' will can't claim security as right: HC

Couples marrying against parents' will can't claim security as right: HC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that couples who marry against the wishes of their parents cannot automatically claim police protection unless there is a real threat to their life and liberty. The court emphasized that such couples must "learn to support each other and face the society" in the absence of any threat perception.

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

SC refuses to hear PIL on Maha Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Terming as 'unfortunate' the January 29 stampede at Maha Kumbh where at least 30 people were killed, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) for guidelines over safety of devotees and asked the petitioner to move the Allahabad high court instead.

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ambedkar argued that smaller states would allow citizens to have more control over public spending and governance.

Cong MP arrested in rape case in middle of press conference

Cong MP arrested in rape case in middle of press conference

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

An FIR was lodged against Rathore on January 17 on a complaint by a woman who accused him of repeatedly raping her over four years after promising to marry her.

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India reprimanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling them "irresponsible." The court stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi in a case filed in Uttar Pradesh for his comments but warned him against making such statements in the future. The court also asked Gandhi's lawyer if he was aware that even Mahatma Gandhi used terms like "your faithful servant" in his communications with the British.

Delhi HC Chief Justice submits report to CJI on cash recovery

Delhi HC Chief Justice submits report to CJI on cash recovery

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, D K Upadhyay, has submitted a report to the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, regarding the alleged discovery of cash at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence. The report follows an in-house inquiry initiated by Justice Upadhyay after a fire at Justice Varma's residence on Holi night. The Supreme Court Collegium will now examine the report and may take further action. The Supreme Court has also stated that a proposal to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court is separate from the in-house inquiry.

SC to hear on Friday plea seeking FIR into cash discovery at judge's house

SC to hear on Friday plea seeking FIR into cash discovery at judge's house

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on Friday seeking a direction to Delhi Police to lodge an FIR over the alleged discovery of semi-burnt stash of cash from the official residence of High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The plea was filed by lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara and three others on Sunday. It challenges the 1991 judgement in the K Veeraswami case, in which the top court ruled that no criminal proceedings could be initiated against a judge of the high court or the top court without the prior nod of the Chief Justice of India. The alleged cash discovery happened following a fire at Varma's Lutyens Delhi residence on March 14, prompting the fire officers to rush to the spot. A Supreme Court-appointed in-house committee visited the residence of Justice Varma on Tuesday to commence its inquiry in the matter. Justice Varma denounced any insinuation and said no cash was ever placed in the storeroom either by him or any of his family members.

5 Attempts, 1 Dream: Meet UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey

5 Attempts, 1 Dream: Meet UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A biochemistry postgrad with a passion for poetry and science, Prayagraj's Shakti Dubey credits her family, teachers and her sheer persistence for her success.

Mere grabbing of breast, breaking pyjami string not rape: HC

Mere grabbing of breast, breaking pyjami string not rape: HC

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The order was passed by Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra on a revision petition filed by two persons who moved the court, challenging the order of a Special Judge of Kasganj by which the court had summoned them under Section 376 of IPC apart from other sections.

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Fourth-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party members in the Lok Sabha, launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws.

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

India's first Buddhist CJI ruled against 'bulldozer justice'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, India's 52nd chief justice and its first Buddhist one, has played a key role in shaping the judicial landscape, penning about 300 verdicts, including landmark rulings on constitutional issues, liberty, and perhaps most important against the executive's 'bulldozer justice'.

'Don't Harass Good Citizens In The Name Of Bulldozer Justice'

'Don't Harass Good Citizens In The Name Of Bulldozer Justice'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'I represented India across the world, but here, in my own country, I was treated in this bad manner.' 'Everyone in Prayagraj respects me a lot and it is in this same city that I became homeless.'

HC orders ASI to clean Sambhal mosque for Ramzan

HC orders ASI to clean Sambhal mosque for Ramzan

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Allahabad high court on Friday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to clean the premises of Jama Masjid in Sambhal but did not pass an order for whitewashing of the mosque.

SC uploads probe report, with photos, video of 'cash recovery' at judge home

SC uploads probe report, with photos, video of 'cash recovery' at judge home

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has released an inquiry report into the alleged discovery of a large amount of cash at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The report, which includes photos and videos, was uploaded on the court's website. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formed an in-house committee to investigate the matter and has asked the Delhi High Court Chief Justice to not assign any judicial work to Justice Varma. Justice Varma has denied the allegations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy to frame him. The inquiry report, submitted by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, has been made public and calls for a deeper probe into the incident. The incident has raised concerns about judicial accountability and has prompted the Congress party to call for strong measures to uphold public trust in the judiciary.

It shocks our conscience: SC slams UP over Prayagraj demolition

It shocks our conscience: SC slams UP over Prayagraj demolition

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for its "high-handed" demolition of homes in Prayagraj, ordering the reconstruction of the demolished structures. The court expressed concern over the manner in which notices were served and the swiftness of the demolition, stating that it "shocks our conscience." The court has allowed the reconstruction of the homes at the petitioners' expense, provided they file appeals and do not claim ownership of the land. The matter has been adjourned to allow the petitioners to file undertakings.