News for 'citizenship'

'Now, Jail Is The Rule, Bail Is The Exception'

'Now, Jail Is The Rule, Bail Is The Exception'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'If the trial is not going on, if the charges have not been framed, it is obvious that he must be given bail. But he has been denied again.'

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Amid claims of Amartya Sen being summoned over Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal has clarified that the notice to the Nobel laureate was issued after the Electoral Roll Officers' Network (ERONET) portal flagged a 'logical discrepancy'.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

Doctors, engineers engaging in...: Delhi police oppose Umar Khalid's bail

Doctors, engineers engaging in...: Delhi police oppose Umar Khalid's bail

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Delhi police vehemently opposed the bail pleas of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam and others in the February 2020 riots case, saying it had become a trend now for doctors and engineers to engage in anti-national activities. The police cited inflammatory speeches and violent protests as reasons for opposing bail.

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy 'blatantly unconstitutional', CNN reported.

Pak-born man gets Indian citizenship after 43 years

Pak-born man gets Indian citizenship after 43 years

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Shane Sabastian Pereira, born in Karachi, Pakistan, was granted Indian citizenship after 43 years of living in his ancestral village in Goa. He is the second person from the coastal state to receive the certificate under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Pereira's journey to citizenship highlights the impact of the CAA on individuals seeking to become Indian citizens.

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Even developed nations are removing infiltrators: Modi in Bengal

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing infiltration, leading to demographic changes and riots. He reassured refugees and promised action against illegal migration if the BJP comes to power.

Aus import Ryan Williams joins Indian camp

Aus import Ryan Williams joins Indian camp

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

The camp began in Bengaluru on Thursday.

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

'Act of terror' under UAPA includes planning, coordination: SC

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that an 'act of terror' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) includes planning, coordination, and mobilization, not just the final execution of the act. The court emphasized that the intent and effect of the act are crucial, not solely the instrumentality used.

'Special Revision Of Assam Voters Is An Eyewash'

'Special Revision Of Assam Voters Is An Eyewash'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

'Even today illegal foreign immigrants live in Assam and their names might be on the voters list. This we can get rid of only by doing SIR.'

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission's voters' list cleanup exercise, will commence in nine states and three Union territories from Tuesday.

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

SC upholds law granting citizenship to Assam immigrants

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act related to the grant of Indian citizenship to illegal immigrants in Assam by a majority verdict of 4:1.

SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; releases 5 others

SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; releases 5 others

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy matter, citing a prima facie case against them under the UAPA. However, bail was granted to other activists in the same case.

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Allahabad high court has directed the Centre to place before it on December 19 the decision taken on a representation moved against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that claimed he concealed his British citizenship in contesting the parliamentary election from Raebareli seat this year.

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Election Commission has defended its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court, refuting allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters as exaggerated and politically motivated.

Assam Pushed Back 780 Illegal Immigrants Since 2024

Assam Pushed Back 780 Illegal Immigrants Since 2024

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'The emphasis is on execution, not identification.'

Replace 'non-human', faulty images in electoral rolls: EC to Assam

Replace 'non-human', faulty images in electoral rolls: EC to Assam

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

In its instructions issued to the chief electoral officer of Assam, the poll authority said that "software-based" reports should be generated for 'black and white images', 'not to specification images', 'non-human images' and 'no image' entries.

Yogi orders to set up detention centres for illegal immigrants

Yogi orders to set up detention centres for illegal immigrants

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Yogi He stated that law and order, national security, and social harmony are top priorities, and that any form of illegal activity will not be tolerated, it added.

US lawmaker to introduce bill to completely eliminate H-1B visa programme

US lawmaker to introduce bill to completely eliminate H-1B visa programme

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

An American lawmaker will be introducing a bill to "completely eliminate" the H-1B visa programme and take away the pathway to citizenship that it offers, "forcing" individuals to "return home" when their visa expires.

Court seeks response from Sonia Gandhi on plea over electoral roll case

Court seeks response from Sonia Gandhi on plea over electoral roll case

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A Delhi court has sought responses from Sonia Gandhi and the police on a plea challenging a magistrate's order refusing a probe into allegations that she was included in electoral rolls before acquiring Indian citizenship.

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The central government has provided armed security to West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer following potential threats related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were underway in West Bengal, focusing on 'unmapped' voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll. Many people are being asked to prove their citizenship.

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

India raises H1B visa concerns with US amid interview delays

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

India has raised concerns with the United States regarding the cancellation of scheduled H1B visa interviews for Indian applicants due to enhanced vetting measures. Both countries are engaged in discussions to address the disruptions caused by the delays.

India's Problem: Strong Power, Weak Resistance

India's Problem: Strong Power, Weak Resistance

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

This new year will bring, once again, a repetition of both intent and apathy, expects Aakar Patel.

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Indians Stranded As H-1B Visa Renewals Stall

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The US has expanded its review of social media and online presence to cover all H-1B speciality occupation workers and their H-4 dependents, the US embassy in India said on December 10.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

'Shame students have to...': Trump's $1M 'Gold Card' unveiled

'Shame students have to...': Trump's $1M 'Gold Card' unveiled

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Trump described the Gold Card as a "Green Card, but much better, much more powerful, a much stronger path and a path is a big deal. Have to be great people, but much stronger path", which also helps companies.

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Trump wants to end citizenship by birth, 22 US states to sue

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visas, which bring in the best of the talent and brains from across the world. Highly skilled professionals from India walk away with the overwhelming number of H-1B visas - which is Congressional mandated 65,0000 every year and another 20,000 for those who received higher education from the US.

Explained: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

Explained: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

Section 6A, which was incorporated in the Citizenship Act 1955 following the signing of the 1985 Assam Accord, was upheld by the Supreme Court.

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Election Commission will conduct phase two of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union territories between November and February, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday.

Not EVMs, Modi has hacked hearts of people: Kangana

Not EVMs, Modi has hacked hearts of people: Kangana

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha, stating he has 'hacked the hearts of the people' and criticized the opposition for disruptions and EVM tampering allegations.

Indian football awakening? Ex-Aussie star joins camp!

Indian football awakening? Ex-Aussie star joins camp!

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Williams, Bharti join camp, signalling new chapter for Indian football

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

US expands travel ban, restrictions to 20 more nations. Check list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Trump administration has expanded its travel ban and restrictions to 20 additional nations as well as the Palestinian Authority, citing national security concerns.

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A family dispute between a Pakistani Hindu husband and wife, living in different countries after their marriage in 2020, has reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court after reconciliation attempts failed. The wife accuses the husband of planning a second marriage and seeks his deportation.

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

'The Soldiers Ordered Us To Be Strip-Searched'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'...including my baby sisters, age three and one.' 'My dad was humiliated, and he started screaming at them.'

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.

Thousands of H-1B visa interviews deferred for social media review

Thousands of H-1B visa interviews deferred for social media review

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The US has postponed thousands of H-1B visa interviews in India, citing enhanced vetting measures including scrutiny of social media profiles. The delays are impacting applicants who were scheduled for interviews from December 15 onwards, with new dates being pushed back by several months.

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

'India, Pak, they were going at it': Trump again

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, Trump said Cambodia and Thailand have started fighting again and "tomorrow", he will make a phone call to those countries.

SC sets time limit for arguments in Delhi riots case

SC sets time limit for arguments in Delhi riots case

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed lawyers for the accused in the February 2020 Delhi riots to restrict their oral arguments to 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for a time schedule. The court also addressed bail pleas from activists like Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, while the Delhi Police maintained the riots were a pre-planned attack.

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Delhi high court on Friday directed the Centre to place its stand on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs to decide over Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship.