News for 'files'

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in March seeking action against political parties that promise or distribute 'irrational freebies' before elections. The PIL argues that such practices unduly influence voters and undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

Sonam Wangchuk taken to hospital after stomach pain

Sonam Wangchuk taken to hospital after stomach pain

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Activist and scientist Sonam Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur for a medical examination following concerns about his declining health. The Supreme Court has requested his medical report.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.'

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Supreme Court Clears Assam's Encroachment Drive

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The ruling comes against the backdrop of an intensified anti-encroachment campaign launched by the Assam government since May 2021.

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of stifling opposition voices in the Lok Sabha, alleging that opposition leaders are not being allowed to express their views while the government side faces no such restrictions.

Gym owner Mohammed Deepak turns down Rs 2 lakh reward

Gym owner Mohammed Deepak turns down Rs 2 lakh reward

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

A gym owner in Kotdwar, India, unexpectedly gained national attention after standing up to Bajrang Dal activists who were pressuring a shopkeeper to change his store's name. He has since become a social media celebrity.

SBI reports all-time high standalone profit of Rs 21,028 cr in Q3

SBI reports all-time high standalone profit of Rs 21,028 cr in Q3

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

State Bank of India on Saturday reported an all-time high profit of Rs 21,028 crore in December quarter FY26 on a standalone basis.

Single On Valentine's Day? Must Watch These Films

Single On Valentine's Day? Must Watch These Films

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Deepa Gahlot picks 10 must-watch movies about singles and the consciously uncoupled.

Winter Olympics! IOC disqualifies Ukraine skeleton star over helmet

Winter Olympics! IOC disqualifies Ukraine skeleton star over helmet

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Winter Games for wearing a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. The IOC offered alternative ways to honor the athletes, but Heraskevych's team plans to appeal the decision.

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Assam CM Sarma to sue Congress leaders over land grab claims

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Assam Congress alleges CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's family grabbed thousands of acres of land, prompting a defamation case announcement. BJP denies claims as baseless.

Anmol Bishnoi files plea seeking protection from Pak gangster

Anmol Bishnoi files plea seeking protection from Pak gangster

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, seeks protection, fearing an attack by Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti due to social media posts. He is currently in NIA custody after deportation from the US.

86% Taxpayers Shift To New Tax Regime

86% Taxpayers Shift To New Tax Regime

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

'Among corporates, about 60% of income is now reported under the new tax regime.'

Maoist killed, C-60 commando injured in Gadchiroli encounter

Maoist killed, C-60 commando injured in Gadchiroli encounter

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

A Naxalite was killed and a C-60 commando injured in an ongoing encounter in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. The operation, involving multiple C-60 units and CRPF, began after intelligence about the presence of Maoists in the area.

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

No one can 'touch' Aravalli, says SC; puts jungle safari project on hold

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has halted Haryana's jungle safari project in the Aravalli range until experts clarify the definition of 'Aravalli range,' citing concerns about environmental protection and potential damage to the eco-fragile area.

Pak legend Abdul Qadir's son accused of sexual assault

Pak legend Abdul Qadir's son accused of sexual assault

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

The 41-year old Sulaman has played 26 first class and 40 List A matches between 2005 and 2013.

Mumbai mayor vows action against illegal Bangladeshis; Uddhav Sena says...

Mumbai mayor vows action against illegal Bangladeshis; Uddhav Sena says...

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has vowed to take strict action against illegal immigrants who have obtained fake birth certificates, as well as the agents and officials who assisted them. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has already cancelled 237 fake birth certificates and is working to recover the original documents.

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Ex-Prince Andrew exits Royal Lodge amid Epstein scandal pressure

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Prince Andrew vacates his Royal Lodge residence as scrutiny over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein intensifies. UK police investigate new information, while a former UK ambassador faces investigation over his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

Not justiciable: SC refuses to entertain PIL related to collegium

Not justiciable: SC refuses to entertain PIL related to collegium

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

It was hearing the plea which alleged that the collegium recommendation of the high court was void as one of the senior judges, Justice Nisha Banu, was not part of the deliberations.

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

What Budget 2026 Says About Taxes

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence.

HC cites communal disharmony concerns in Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan'

HC cites communal disharmony concerns in Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Madras High Court has raised concerns about actor Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan', citing references to foreign powers creating conflict in India and potential communal disharmony. The court has set aside an order to grant the film a censor certificate, pending further review.

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

HC grants bail to accused in Baba Siddique murder case

HC grants bail to accused in Baba Siddique murder case

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Bombay High Court granted bail to Akashdeep Karaj Singh, an accused in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, citing insufficient evidence to link him to the organized crime syndicate allegedly involved.

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

What Budget 2026 Means For Taxpayers

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Budget offers a limited-time regularisation window with clear thresholds, defined payments, and immunity from penalty or prosecution.

'Nationwide network?' SC asks Centre to probe missing children cases

'Nationwide network?' SC asks Centre to probe missing children cases

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the central government to investigate the possibility of a nationwide network or state-specific groups involved in the increasing number of missing children cases across India.

Rajpal Yadav's Wife Thanks Bollywood For The Help

Rajpal Yadav's Wife Thanks Bollywood For The Help

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'Everybody has stood by Rajpal Yadav. The industry has been supportive.'

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

US stopping India from buying cheap oil: Russian FM

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Lavrov said that the US has set itself the objective of 'achieving economic domination', adding further to it that Americans want to control the routes to leading countries to provide its energy sources to them.

Adults' right to marry cannot be interfered with: HC

Adults' right to marry cannot be interfered with: HC

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The Delhi High Court has affirmed that consenting adults have the constitutional right to marry, and no one, including family or the state, can interfere with their decision. The ruling came in response to a petition from a couple seeking protection from the woman's father.

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A new study alleges that Muslim voters are disproportionately represented in Logical Discrepancy (LD) lists during Kolkata's voter roll revision, raising concerns about potential bias in the electoral process.

Jolt to Asaram ashram as HC rejects plea over land acquisition

Jolt to Asaram ashram as HC rejects plea over land acquisition

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Gujarat High Court dismissed a plea by Asaram's ashram in Ahmedabad, allowing the government to acquire land for sports infrastructure development ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2030.

TN temple takeover by ASI: Court issues notice to govt on plea

TN temple takeover by ASI: Court issues notice to govt on plea

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre, Tamil Nadu government, and others regarding a plea for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to take over the Thirupparankundram temple and ensure daily lamp lighting on a stone pillar.

Will move privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi: Rijiju

Will move privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi: Rijiju

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Rijiju, however, did not specify when and who will give notice for privilege motion against Gandhi. It is believed that someone from treasury benches in the Lok Sabha will do so.

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Election Commission of India has published the final voters list for Assam after a Special Revision, deleting over 2.43 lakh names from the draft roll. The final roll comprises nearly 2.49 crore voters, a decrease of 0.97 per cent from the draft roll.

Dr Sangram Patil, YouTuber facing action over SM posts, moves HC

Dr Sangram Patil, YouTuber facing action over SM posts, moves HC

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

The Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the Mumbai police regarding a plea filed by UK-based doctor and YouTuber Sangram Patil, who is seeking to quash a case against him related to an alleged objectionable social media post against BJP leaders.

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Trump said the Department of Justice had already released "tens of thousands" of pages linked to Epstein and argued that Democrats were trying to target Republican leaders while ignoring figures such as Bill Clinton and others he named.

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

A special CBI court reversed a magisterial court order that had discharged former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel from a case regarding the alleged circulation of a sleaze video purportedly depicting former minister Rajesh Munat in 2017. The reversal implies Baghel will have to face trial unless he gets relief from a higher court.

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

SC flags uppers castes converting to Buddhism for quota as 'new fraud'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over a 'new type of fraud' involving individuals from dominant upper-caste backgrounds in Haryana converting to Buddhism solely to claim minority reservation benefits. The court has sought a report from the chief secretary of Haryana on the issuance of minority certificates.

Poet Munawwar Rana's daughter alleges triple talaq

Poet Munawwar Rana's daughter alleges triple talaq

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Hiba Rana, daughter of poet Munawwar Rana, has filed a case against her husband alleging triple talaq, dowry harassment, and assault. The FIR details years of alleged abuse and demands for dowry.

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Despite a directive from the Election Commission, no FIR has been filed against TMC MLA Monirul Islam in connection with vandalism at the Farakka Block Development Office in Murshidabad. The delay raises questions about the implementation of the Commission's orders ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.