News for 'freedom of speech'

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'The Election Commission's involvement in the avoidable SIR controversy has carried a message down to the last voter -- who just does not like it,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

'Pathetic thinking': Singer B Praak cancels podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

In an Instagram video, Praak on Monday night said: "I was supposed to appear on a podcast, on Beer Biceps, and we cancelled that. Why? Since we are all seeing how pathetic his thinking is. The choice of words that he has used on Samay Raina's show."

Bharat ka Samvidhan is not...: Priyanka slams BJP in maiden LS speech

Bharat ka Samvidhan is not...: Priyanka slams BJP in maiden LS speech

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the BJP in her maiden Lok Sabha speech, accusing the government of trying to weaken the Constitution and prioritizing the interests of one individual over the people. She criticized the BJP's alleged attempts to change the Constitution, the growing monopoly of the Adani Group, atrocities on women, and the demand for a nationwide caste census. She also challenged the BJP to hold elections using ballot paper, saying it would expose the reality.

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. The Prime Minister himself said that blood and water cannot flow together, that talks and terrorism cannot go together. So how can we have a cricket match with a country that indulges in terrorism?'

Dalai Lama: Lessons For Young Minds

Dalai Lama: Lessons For Young Minds

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

The Dalai Lama's way of staying curious, kind and calm shows young people how small daily habits can help them handle stress and live with heart.

Show courage like Indira Gandhi, say Trump is lying: Rahul attacks Modi

Show courage like Indira Gandhi, say Trump is lying: Rahul attacks Modi

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of prioritizing his image over national security after the Pahalgam attack, challenging him to refute Trump's claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Freedom of speech, expression not absolute rights: Bombay HC

Freedom of speech, expression not absolute rights: Bombay HC

Rediff.com11 Sep 2020

The court made the observation while refusing to grant interim protection from arrest to a woman booked by the Mumbai and Palghar police for allegedly making offensive remarks on Twitter against Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aditya Thackeray.

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Take strong action: India to UK on 'Emergency' protests

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

There were reports that the screening of the movie was disrupted in North-West London, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Allahbadia apologises for 'parents have sex' remarks after backlash

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

During his recent appearance on the show, Ranveer Allahbadia asked a contestant whether they would rather watch their parents have sex for the rest of their life or join them once and put a stop to it.

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

X calls the home ministry's Sahyog portal a 'censorship portal', stating it usurps judicial functions.

SC slams K'taka govt, paves way for Kamal's Thug Life release in state

SC slams K'taka govt, paves way for Kamal's Thug Life release in state

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Karnataka government over actor Kamal Haasan's film "Thug Life" not being released in the state, saying mob and vigilantes cannot be allowed to take to the streets.

Freedom of speech is most abused: SC on 'fake news' on Tablighis

Freedom of speech is most abused: SC on 'fake news' on Tablighis

Rediff.com8 Oct 2020

The apex court pulled up the Centre for its "evasive" and "brazen" affidavit on the issue.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

Any speech against govt policy can't be seditious: SC judge

Any speech against govt policy can't be seditious: SC judge

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

He also said that 'hate speech' which is mischief committed by a few individuals to promote hatred amongst groups is something which has to be taken note of and there was a proposal for amending the relevant sections in the Indian Penal Code which has not been done till now.

Dhoni hails army amidst freedom of speech debate

Dhoni hails army amidst freedom of speech debate

Rediff.com21 Feb 2016

Amid continuing uproar on the issue of freedom of expression in the country, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Sunday called for respect to the armed forces, saying that the nation is in a position to debate because of the men in uniform. "As v have this debate on freedom of speech our forces r making sure v stay in position to keep debating," Dhoni wrote on his official Twitter handle. "Spl forces and commando unit's r normal ppl like u and me who r highly motivated and trained to put the interest of the nation before self," he added. Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.

'Have they totally lost it?': Ashoka univ prof's arrest sparks outrage

'Have they totally lost it?': Ashoka univ prof's arrest sparks outrage

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Mahmudabad, head of the political science department at the private university, was arrested on Sunday after two FIRs were lodged on stringent charges, including endangering sovereignty and integrity, for his social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, police and his lawyer said.

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

August 15, 1947: How I Celebrated Freedom

August 15, 1947: How I Celebrated Freedom

Rediff.com15 Aug 2023

'We were children and could not distinguish freedom from bondage, but we could understand that a momentous and happy event was imminent.'

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

'Take Advantage Of Trump Administration'

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Pick up momentum and find opportunities from an intelligence-sharing standpoint.'

Jitendra Awhad reaches Maha assembly in handcuffs, here's why

Jitendra Awhad reaches Maha assembly in handcuffs, here's why

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Jitendra Awhad arrived in handcuffs at the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Mumbai on the first day of the Maharashtra legislature's budget session on Monday to highlight 'growing attack' on freedom of expression and protest the deportation of illegal immigrants from the United States.

Fali Nariman on freedom of speech

Fali Nariman on freedom of speech

Rediff.com1 Oct 2007

According to Nariman, journalists should be fearless and expose corruption in judicial system if there is solid evidence to prove that.

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor.

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

In his maiden public speech eight months after announcing the launch of TVK, Vijay said the late veterans MG Ramachandran and NT Ramarao were ridiculed as mere cinema actors when they made their political plunge "but they continue to remain in the hearts of the people" of the respective states, i.e Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Shinde joke row: Kunal Kamra moves HC against FIR

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The comedian has failed to appear before the Mumbai police for questioning despite three summons issued to him.

Cops reach Allahbadia's home; NCW summons him, Raina, others

Cops reach Allahbadia's home; NCW summons him, Raina, others

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after he hit the spotlight with a comment on parents and sex, trouble mounted for influencer Ranveer Allahbadia on Tuesday with Mumbai police at his doorstep, YouTube pulling down the episode of 'India's Got Latent' and the issue being raised in Parliament.

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

George stated that a girl should be married off by the time she is 22 or 23 and that such decency should be maintained.

HC orders removal of YouTube video against Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

HC orders removal of YouTube video against Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has ordered the removal of a YouTube video by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh alleging misconduct against spiritual guru Sadhguru's Isha Foundation. The court found the video's title "clickbait" and restrained Singh from further publishing allegations against the foundation. The court also directed X (formerly Twitter), Meta and Google to remove the alleged defamatory content.

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

SC allows Ranveer Allahbadia to resume his podcast with conditions

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took note of Allahbadia's submission that the podcast was his only source of livelihood and around 280 people employed by him were dependent on the show.

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

Freedom to vote can't be subject to undue influence: SC in electoral bonds ruling

Freedom to vote can't be subject to undue influence: SC in electoral bonds ruling

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

It is crucial to electoral democracy that the exercise of freedom to vote is not subject to undue influence, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while striking down as unconstitutional the electoral bonds scheme for political funding.

5 Reasons For RCB's Dream Run

5 Reasons For RCB's Dream Run

Rediff.com30 May 2025

RCB's success so far in IPL 2025 hasn't just rested on Kohli and Hazlewood.

The Lawyer Who Won Mahua Moitra's Heart

The Lawyer Who Won Mahua Moitra's Heart

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Four-time Odisha MP Pinaki Misra's wedding to firebrand TMC MP Mahua Moitra in a quiet, intimate ceremony that chose privacy and tradition over fanfare, was a reflection of his personal style.

HC restrains coercive action against Bajwa in '50 bombs' case

HC restrains coercive action against Bajwa in '50 bombs' case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government not to take any coercive action against Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa till April 22 in connection with an FIR lodged against him over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" remarks. Bajwa, the leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly, has been booked on charges, including misleading information that endangers the country's sovereignty and unity, after being quizzed over his "50 bombs have reached Punjab" claim. The court also issued a notice to the state of Punjab on Bajwa's plea seeking quashing of the FIR registered against him over his statement.

In first speech in new LS, Mahua shows she's lost none of her fire

In first speech in new LS, Mahua shows she's lost none of her fire

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

"Last time I stood, I was not allowed to speak. The ruling party paid a very heavy price for throttling the voice of one MP," she said, referring to her suspension in the last session.

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

His remarks like 'dog whistling': SC grants bail to Ashoka univ prof

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The bench, which examined the online post by the professor, who heads the political science department in the Sonipat-based Ashoka University, questioned his choice of words, saying they were used deliberately to humiliate, insult, or put others in discomfort. "The choice of words are deliberately made to insult, humiliate or cause discomfort to others. The professor, who is a learned person cannot lack a dictionary... he could have conveyed the very same feelings in a simple language without hurting others. He should have shown respect for the sentiments of others. He could have used a simple and neutral kind of language, respecting others," Justice Kant said.

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Hypocrisy, says India as Canada censors media outlet over Jaishankar's presser

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

"We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But nonetheless, what I say is that these are actions which yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech," the external affairs ministry spokesman said.

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

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'.

Despite warning, JNU students screen BBC documentary on Modi

Despite warning, JNU students screen BBC documentary on Modi

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) defied an advisory from the university administration and screened a banned BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The screening, organized by the Left-backed All India Students' Federation (AISF), was initially planned to be displayed on a projector but was moved to a laptop after security personnel allegedly damaged the projector. The university had warned of disciplinary measures for violating the advisory, which stated that the documentary could "disrupt communal harmony" on campus. The AISF and the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) condemned the advisory, calling it an attack on students' fundamental rights and alleging that the administration was attempting to stifle dissent and curb freedom of expression.