News for 'coercion'

Delhi Schools Warned Against Uniform Vendor Coercion

Delhi Schools Warned Against Uniform Vendor Coercion

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Delhi's Chief Minister has issued a stern warning to schools against forcing parents to buy uniforms, books, and stationery from specific vendors, emphasising freedom of choice and threatening strict action for non-compliance.

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

AIMIM corporator held for sheltering TCS conversion case accused Nida Khan

AIMIM corporator held for sheltering TCS conversion case accused Nida Khan

Rediff.com5 days ago

Nashik police have arrested an AIMIM corporator, Mateen Patel, for allegedly providing shelter to an accused, Nida Khan, in the ongoing TCS "sexual harassment and religious conversion" case. Patel's arrest is part of a larger investigation into nine cases related to alleged exploitation and forceful conversion at a TCS branch.

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Bail granted to five accused in TCS harassment-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

A Nashik court has granted bail to five individuals accused in a sexual harassment and forcible conversion case at the local TCS unit. The court cited the completion of the investigation and the filing of the chargesheet, stating there was no serious apprehension of witness tampering. The accused face multiple FIRs related to alleged inappropriate conduct and religious belittling.

TCS employee Nida Khan gets bail in alleged sexual harassment and conversion case

TCS employee Nida Khan gets bail in alleged sexual harassment and conversion case

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A Nashik court has granted bail to TCS employee Nida Khan, arrested two months ago in connection with alleged sexual harassment and religious conversion cases at the company's unit. Her co-accused, Danish Shaikh, was denied bail. Khan's bail was sought on grounds of pregnancy, while the prosecution argued against it, citing evidence of sexual assault and religious coercion, including attempts to convert a Scheduled Caste victim. A Special Investigation Team is investigating nine such cases at the TCS Nashik unit, and TCS has stated a zero-tolerance policy.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com1 days ago

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Nashik court invokes Lord Krishna's birth to grant bail to Nida Khan in TCS case

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Nashik court granted bail to a pregnant Nida Khan, an accused in a TCS sexual harassment and alleged religious conversion case, citing the trauma of giving birth in prison. The court noted the investigation suggests Khan attempted to 'brainwash the victim' and change her religious views, but prioritised the welfare of the unborn child. Khan was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 75,000, while a Special Investigation Team probes nine related cases.

NCW summons comedian, web developer over 'Rs 370 biryani' remark

NCW summons comedian, web developer over 'Rs 370 biryani' remark

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has summoned comedian Pranit More and web developer Himanshu Jangra following remarks made during a Gurugram stand-up show, which the commission alleges glorified sexual coercion and non-consensual conduct towards a woman.

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

India backs 14 nations' reminder to China over South China Sea claims

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

India has reiterated its support for freedom of navigation and unimpeded commerce in the South China Sea, backing a 2016 international arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected China's extensive territorial claims. This stance aligns with a recent joint statement by the US, UK, and other nations, emphasising peaceful resolution of maritime disputes under UNCLOS.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

CCTV footage puts Punjab cops in focus in Mann video probe

CCTV footage puts Punjab cops in focus in Mann video probe

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Gurugram Police are set to summon two Punjab Police officials for questioning regarding their alleged involvement in arranging a "fabricated" forensic report for a controversial video linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The investigation follows the arrest of two individuals and a complaint alleging coercion to produce a predetermined forensic outcome. This development is part of a larger political controversy surrounding an alleged objectionable video of CM Mann.

'Gym jihad': Gangster Act invoked against 10 for forced conversion of women

'Gym jihad': Gangster Act invoked against 10 for forced conversion of women

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Police in Mirzapur have invoked the Gangster Act against 10 people in the alleged 'gym jihad' case, involving charges of coercion, blackmail, and forced religious conversion of women.

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Modi-Takaichi Summit Opens New India-Japan Chapter

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Notwithstanding the economic complementarities and the host of agreements for deepening economic relation on a host of areas, both sides share common viewpoints on the foreign policy domain and seek common grounds to serve as a counterweight to China, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Pak rejects Indus Waters Treaty suspension, says still binding and operative

Pak rejects Indus Waters Treaty suspension, says still binding and operative

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and binding, rejecting India's decision to revoke it following a terror attack. He emphasised the treaty's role in regional peace and warned of "profound consequences" if Pakistan is deprived of its allocated waters. PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also proposed an international convention against the weaponisation of waterways.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

Rs 370 biryani row: Comedian Pranit More says he 'deserves' hate

Rs 370 biryani row: Comedian Pranit More says he 'deserves' hate

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Stand-up comedian Pranit More has issued a second apology for his "lapse in judgment" regarding a controversial "Rs 370 biryani" remark made by a participant during his show, which allegedly glorified non-consensual conduct. More is facing a police case and expressed regret for giving a platform to the derogatory comments. The controversy also involves another participant, Sejal Pawar, for separate objectionable remarks.

Former Judge Gautam Patel Receives Threats Over Dawoodi Bohra Succession Ruling

Former Judge Gautam Patel Receives Threats Over Dawoodi Bohra Succession Ruling

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Former Bombay High Court judge Gautam Patel has filed a police complaint after receiving anonymous death threats related to his 2024 verdict on the Dawoodi Bohra community succession row. The threats, which escalated with a letter sent to his daughter in London, demanded he retract his judgment, prompting international security measures.

Man Held For Hiding Identity, Pressuring Woman To Convert

Man Held For Hiding Identity, Pressuring Woman To Convert

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A man in Moradabad was arrested for allegedly concealing his religious identity, sexually exploiting a woman for four years, and then pressuring her to convert for marriage. The woman claims he defrauded her of Rs 12 lakh and that his family also pressured her to convert, leading to an appeal to the Chief Minister.

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Maharashtra Cyber Police Book Comedians Over 'Obscene' Online Content

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case against stand-up comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra, and Dr Sejal Pawar for allegedly disseminating 'obscene and objectionable' content on social media, stemming from remarks made during a comedy show that trivialised consent and disrespected deceased persons.

HC ex-judge, family face threats over Dawoodi Bohra succession ruling

HC ex-judge, family face threats over Dawoodi Bohra succession ruling

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Retired Bombay high court Judge Gautam Patel and his family have allegedly been subjected to repeated threats in India and in Britain over his 2024 verdict in a case on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Maha panel to combat corporate sector harassment, conversions

Maha panel to combat corporate sector harassment, conversions

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a committee of women legislators to amend laws and ensure effective implementation against harassment and religious conversion in the corporate sector. This decision follows an incident at a TCS unit in Nashik involving alleged exploitation and forced conversion, which is currently under SIT investigation. Probes have also been ordered into similar complaints at a Spanish multinational in Pune and a government ITI in Solapur, highlighting a broader issue of workplace misconduct.

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into harassment complaint at Spanish firm in Pune

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered probes into multiple allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion at a Spanish multinational in Pune, a government-run ITI in Solapur, and a TCS unit in Nashik. The CM highlighted a pattern of such incidents in corporate firms and suggested forming a panel of women legislators to review existing laws and recommend improvements.

Delhi Parents Protest 'Unapproved' Fee Hikes, Allege Coercion by Private Schools

Delhi Parents Protest 'Unapproved' Fee Hikes, Allege Coercion by Private Schools

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Parents in Delhi protest against private schools allegedly coercing them to pay unapproved fee hikes, leading to students being struck off rolls and report cards withheld.

Nida Khan, key accused in TCS harassment case, arrested in Maha

Nida Khan, key accused in TCS harassment case, arrested in Maha

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Nida Khan, an accused in the Nashik TCS sexual harassment and religious coercion case, has been arrested in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. She is accused of targeting employees in a WhatsApp group, pressuring them to pray and eat non-vegetarian food, and advising women employees to adhere to Islamic traditions.

Nashik Court Rejects Bail In TCS Harassment Case

Nashik Court Rejects Bail In TCS Harassment Case

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A Nashik court has rejected the bail pleas of five individuals arrested in connection with the TCS sexual harassment and forced conversion case. The Special Investigation Team is probing multiple cases of molestation and harassment at the IT major's Nashik unit.

TCS Harassment Case: Nida Khan In Police Custody Until May 11

TCS Harassment Case: Nida Khan In Police Custody Until May 11

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A Nashik court has remanded Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, in police custody until May 11. Khan, a TCS employee, was arrested after being on the run since the case emerged.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

Nashik Court Remands TCS Employee In Harassment Case

Nashik Court Remands TCS Employee In Harassment Case

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A Nashik court has remanded Nida Khan, an employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), in police custody until May 11 in connection with a sexual harassment and religious coercion case. The police are investigating allegations of forced religious conversion and potential links to other conversion rackets.

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Eye on China: Quad ramps up Indo-Pacific surveillance

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Quad grouping has expanded cooperation in critical minerals and energy, while unveiling new measures to boost maritime surveillance and port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. This move comes against the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the region, with ministers reiterating strong opposition to destabilising actions and expressing serious concerns over militarisation of disputed features.

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Pakistan has criticised India's recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protests, asserting it is addressing issues democratically. Pakistan also warned India against blocking water, calling it an "act of war," and commented on India's nuclear capabilities and its own military strikes in Afghanistan.

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

KEM student sent on leave over remarks at Pranit More's show

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Mumbai's KEM Hospital has placed MBBS student Sejal Pawar on compulsory leave for 15 days following her controversial remarks about male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show. The hospital has initiated a detailed inquiry, forming a five-member committee to investigate the matter, which sparked widespread social media outrage.

FIRs against Maharashtra ex-DGP a result of personal grudges: HC

FIRs against Maharashtra ex-DGP a result of personal grudges: HC

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Bombay High Court has quashed multiple FIRs against former Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey, senior advocate Shekhar Jagtap, and others, citing 'personal grudges' and an abuse of the legal process.

AIMIM corporator sheltered TCS accused Nida Khan, family: Police

AIMIM corporator sheltered TCS accused Nida Khan, family: Police

Rediff.com8 May 2026

An AIMIM corporator allegedly harboured Nida Khan, an accused in the alleged sexual harassment and religious coercion case at TCS, and her family in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the police said on Friday.

TCS Employees Remanded In Custody Over Conversion Allegations

TCS Employees Remanded In Custody Over Conversion Allegations

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A court in Nashik, Maharashtra, has remanded four Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees to judicial custody until May 18 in connection with allegations of religious conversion and sexual harassment of colleagues.

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

CAB power struggle: Ganguly camp fires back as Dalmiya raises corruption concerns

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The simmering tension between former Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Avishek Dalmiya and the current Sourav Ganguly-led establishment came out into the open on Wednesday, with the state cricket body's top brass issuing a strongly-worded rebuttal to allegations of corruption and governance failures barely three months before its annual general meeting.

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Dawoodi Bohra verdict row: HC ex-judge Patel gets security cover

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Retired Judge Gautam Patel and his family, getting threatening letters over his 2024 verdict on the succession row in the Dawoodi Bohra community, have been provided police protection, the Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay high court.

SIT Submits Second Chargesheet In TCS Conversion Case

SIT Submits Second Chargesheet In TCS Conversion Case

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the TCS sexual harassment-forced conversion case filed its second chargesheet in a Nashik court on Thursday. The chargesheet pertains to eight FIRs registered at Mumbai Naka police station here under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions against several individuals.

Nashik TCS case: 'They forced me to wear skullcap, perform namaaz'

Nashik TCS case: 'They forced me to wear skullcap, perform namaaz'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Four TCS employees have been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing and attempting to forcibly convert a colleague, including forcing him to wear a Muslim cap and perform Namaz.

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

MBBS student faces probe over remarks at comedy show

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Mumbai's civic-run KEM Hospital has initiated a two-member committee probe into controversial remarks made by MBBS student Sejal Pawar regarding male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show, which the hospital dean deemed 'unacceptable'.