News for 'freedom of speech'

Campaign against Iran 'is not yet over': Netanyahu

Campaign against Iran 'is not yet over': Netanyahu

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu declares that the joint Israel-US campaign is successfully 'crushing' Iran, eliminating existential threats and weakening the regime's regional influence.

'I Was Blown Away By Sheeba Chadha'

'I Was Blown Away By Sheeba Chadha'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

This Hamlet and most of the film's characters are Hindus, so there is an elaborate wedding sequence with a baraat, dholki players, dancing baraatis, and a dance performance piece, set to the qawwali Mast Qalander.

Satheesan Slams Vijayan's Alleged Communal Appeasement Tactics

Satheesan Slams Vijayan's Alleged Communal Appeasement Tactics

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Congress leader V D Satheesan has criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accusing him of appeasing both majority and minority communities for political gain. Satheesan's remarks follow allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP deal in the upcoming election and Vijayan's claim that Satheesan has RSS support.

Suryakumar Yadav Lauds Comfortable Equation with Coach Gautam Gambhir

Suryakumar Yadav Lauds Comfortable Equation with Coach Gautam Gambhir

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Suryakumar Yadav discusses his successful partnership with head coach Gautam Gambhir, highlighting their shared understanding and mutual respect, which has led to significant success for the Indian T20 team.

Jamiat slams order on mandatory singing of Vande Mataram

Jamiat slams order on mandatory singing of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has criticized the central government's directive mandating the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions, alleging it violates religious freedom.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

At 100, He Remembers How He Fought For Freedom

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

'Gandhi had given the call 'Do or Die'. And with all the leaders arrested, you had to be your own leader.'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

Media's freedom of speech can't trample right to privacy: Kerala HC

Media's freedom of speech can't trample right to privacy: Kerala HC

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Kerala high court on Thursday held that freedom of speech and expression available to the press and media could not trample on the right to dignity, reputation and privacy available to the citizen, especially when reporting about criminal investigations or cases pending before various courts.

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Bina Das, 21, got up at her graduating ceremony to assassinate the governor of Bengal. He escaped and she was imprisoned for 9 years.

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay against the release of 'The Kerala Story 2-Goes Beyond', citing concerns over the censor board's certification process and potential disruption of social harmony.

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

These platforms carry with it the solemn duty of accountability to hold, otherwise it will imperil both the rule of law and the fabric of social harmony, the court observed.

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Trump is a 'dictator' and Modi is his slave: Kharge

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's relationship with US President Donald Trump, alleging that Modi is acting as Trump's 'slave' and jeopardising India's interests on trade, oil and foreign policy.

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the NIA regarding the detention of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case, asking the agency to justify his detention for over six years.

Can't curtail freedom of speech: HC rejects plea on Sidhu's cancer claims

Can't curtail freedom of speech: HC rejects plea on Sidhu's cancer claims

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking action against Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for his claims about his wife's recovery from stage 4 cancer, emphasizing the right to free speech. The court stated that Sidhu's claims were merely opinions and could be countered by others through free speech, not legal action. The petitioner argued that Sidhu's claims about the efficacy of certain dietary remedies could mislead the public, but the court asserted that if Sidhu's wife, a doctor herself, felt better with a specific diet, it was her prerogative. The court further suggested that the petitioner focus on issues like alcohol and cigarette consumption if truly concerned about public interest.

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Lakshmi, Durga And The Quiet Irony of Women's Day

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Indian civilisation has long imagined wealth and power as feminine forces. And yet, when these qualities appear in real women, admiration sometimes gives way to discomfort, observes Vatsal Ramaiya.

RSS seeks social unity, not power or pressure politics: Bhagwat

RSS seeks social unity, not power or pressure politics: Bhagwat

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the Sangh's objective is to unite society, not to seek power or become a pressure group. He emphasized that the RSS is not against anyone and aims to support positive efforts in the country.

Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan At RSS' Centenary Celebrations

Shilpa Shetty, Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan At RSS' Centenary Celebrations

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Film folk like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal and Pritam attend RSS' centenary celebrations in Mumbai.

SC denies FoE cover to influencers for commercial speech

SC denies FoE cover to influencers for commercial speech

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Commercial and prohibited speeches are not covered under fundamental rights, the Supreme Court on Monday said as it asked five social media influencers, including India's Got Latent host Samay Raina, to display their unconditional apology in their podcasts or shows for ridiculing persons with disabilities and rare genetic disorders.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Does Toxic Teaser Have Too Much Sex?

Does Toxic Teaser Have Too Much Sex?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

A social activist asserted that the Toxic teaser contains 'scenes that are grossly obscene, sexually explicit, and vulgar in nature'.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right of freedom of speech and expression was being 'abused' while hearing the plea of a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The story of Ghooskhor Pandat focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility -- to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.'

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

We have to 'avenge' our painful history: NSA Doval

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval emphasized the need to strengthen India's security across all sectors, including the economy, to address historical vulnerabilities. He highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the importance of strong leadership.

'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.'

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

MIT punishes Indian-American student for pro-Palestine speech

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

MIT leadership said that they stand by the punishment they issued to Vemuri.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Elgar Parishad case: Ex-DU professor Hany Babu gets bail

Elgar Parishad case: Ex-DU professor Hany Babu gets bail

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

While the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought a stay on the operation of the bail order so as to appeal before the Supreme Court, the HC refused the request, stating that Babu has been in jail for over five years.

Mamdani invokes Nehru to project 'new-age' leadership

Mamdani invokes Nehru to project 'new-age' leadership

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected Mayor of New York City, quoted Jawaharlal Nehru after his victory, declaring the end of a political dynasty.

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

An FIR was registered against him at the Golf Green Police Station in south Kolkata for allegedly promoting hate speech and hurting religious sentiments through his social media posts.

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

As we celebrate the 136th anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru's birth, let's embark on a journey to places in India, and across the world, that had a connection with India's first prime minister.