News for 'freedom of speech'

Rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra flees to Australia

Rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra flees to Australia

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Pathanmajra appeared in the video interview on Friday with an Australia-based Punjabi web channel in which he claimed that he would "return home only after securing bail".

Freedom of speech can't go beyond limits of...: HC

Freedom of speech can't go beyond limits of...: HC

Rediff.com13 Dec 2023

If freedom of speech is allowed beyond limits, it could lead to disastrous consequences, the Bombay HC has said.

Assam govt tables inquiry report on 1983 Nellie massacre

Assam govt tables inquiry report on 1983 Nellie massacre

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Assam government on Tuesday distributed the report of the Tewary Commission, which had probed into the 1983 Nellie massacre during which over 2,000 people were killed, and large-scale violence that year, in the Assembly on first day of Winter Session.

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow the release of the Hindi film "Masoom Kaatil," citing concerns over violence, promotion of lawlessness, and potential for inciting communal disharmony.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

It is shameful that Kashmir Times has been attacked in the way it has and that Anuradha Bhasin has not found more voices to speak in support of her and her paper, points out Aakar Patel.

SC mulls guidelines to regulate social media posts

SC mulls guidelines to regulate social media posts

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said citizens must know the value of the right of freedom of speech and expression, and exercise self restraint as it mulled guidelines to regulate offensive social media posts.

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Meet next CJI who gave Kejri bail; SIR, Art 370 verdicts

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant is set to become the 53rd Chief Justice of India, bringing extensive experience and a record of significant verdicts on key issues.

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

'The Key Is Talent, Technology, Trust'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

'Our problem is not a budget deficit but a trust deficit. We need to trust our institutions and industries to innovate and lead. That is the way forward for India.'

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Bhikaji Cama, The Lady Who Survived Plague And Defied An Empire

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

Bhikaji Cama, a hero of India's freedom, was the first to unfurl the Indian tricolour on foreign soil.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

From 1905 cry to Modi's 'Vocal for Local': NCERT's new Swadeshi lessons

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Two modules published by the NCERT, Swadeshi: Vocal for Local (for middle stage) and Swadeshi: For a Self-Reliant India (for secondary stage), carry excerpts from the prime minister's Independence Day address in which he stressed that self-reliance would drive India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Govt asked 'X' to delete Shah's Ambedkar speech: Cong

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

The Congress party alleged that the BJP government has asked social media platform 'X' to remove Home Minister Amit Shah's speech from the Rajya Sabha, which they claim insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar. The party cited an email from 'X' to support their claim. The BJP has not yet commented on the matter, and 'X' has refused to delete the speech, citing freedom of speech. The Congress accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution and demanded his resignation.

Modi's Message In A Battle For The Congress

Modi's Message In A Battle For The Congress

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

The Congress's performance in the Lok Sabha elections showed that it may be down but not out, and Modi is determined to ensure that in the next round in 2029, it is consigned to irrelevance, points out Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

'Our mothers had it much easier': Twinkle Khanna

'Our mothers had it much easier': Twinkle Khanna

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Today, says Twinkle Khanna, motherhood is very different. "You're like a psychologist, you're their trainer, you're the nutritionist, you're seeing how many carbs they're eating, how many vitamins they're having, you're their chef, you're an educator and you are also their screen monitor. And you still have to make the hair along with that."

Delhi HC cautions social media users

Delhi HC cautions social media users

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Delhi High Court cautioned social media users about responsible content creation, especially those with large audiences, while granting bail to actor Ajaz Khan in a case involving sexually explicit remarks.

Why The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Why The Congress Has Rediscovered Sitaram Kesri

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

It was significant that the ceremony took place at 24, Akbar Road, the party's former national headquarters, and not at its new office in Kotla Road.

No freedom of speech inside or outside Parliament: Kharge

No freedom of speech inside or outside Parliament: Kharge

Rediff.com11 Feb 2023

The Congress president also came down heavily on the BJP over the Adani issue.

Pre-trial stay on news hits freedom of speech, rules SC in Bloomberg vs Zee

Pre-trial stay on news hits freedom of speech, rules SC in Bloomberg vs Zee

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

Courts should not grant ex-parte injunctions against publication of a news article barring in exceptional cases as it may have severe ramifications for the right to freedom of speech of the author and the public's right to know, the Supreme Court has said.

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Trump's Language Of Fascism

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

'Non-compatible with Western Civilization' is about as vague and jingoistic as it gets and Trump saying this gives full license to his acolytes to go full throttle on making life as difficult and scary as possible for as many non-white people as possible,' notes Sree Sreenivasan.

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

SC's big backing for free speech, quashes FIR against Congress MP

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the police for suppressing freedom of speech by filing FIRs against artists for their performances, stating that mere recitation of a poem, stand-up comedy, or any form of art cannot be alleged to incite hatred or animosity between communities. The court quashed an FIR against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi, who was booked for a song performed at a mass marriage function, emphasizing that such actions stifle legitimate expressions of view in a free society.

Whenever foreign ideologies came to India...: RSS chief

Whenever foreign ideologies came to India...: RSS chief

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

He said terrorists crossed the border and killed 26 Indians after checking their religion in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a fitting response from the country, referring to Operation Sindoor.

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to respond to petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The court has also asked the Madras and Calcutta High Courts to keep proceedings on similar petitions in abeyance.

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking initiation of breach of privilege proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making "blatant lies and vilification campaign" during his speech in the House. Dubey alleged that Gandhi used his parliamentary privilege to spread canards without authenticating his charges and distorted historical facts during his speech. Gandhi had claimed that mobile phones were not made in India but only assembled here, China has captured the Indian territory, and India had sent Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to the US to get an invite for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for US President Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony. He also made allegations related to the electoral rolls for the Maharashtra Assembly polls and the law for the appointment of the elections commissioner. Dubey accused Gandhi of misusing the Constitution's Article 105, which accords privileges to parliamentarians for their comments made inside the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He urged the Speaker to initiate proceedings against Gandhi, alleging that Parliament's records and proceedings are a testimony to his irresponsible attitude.

SC grants protection to scribe in case booked in Assam

SC grants protection to scribe in case booked in Assam

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has granted interim protection to journalist Abhisar Sharma in an FIR lodged against him in Assam over a video post allegedly criticising the state's policies.

CBFC cuts beef biryani scene from Malayalam movie

CBFC cuts beef biryani scene from Malayalam movie

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed the removal of several scenes, including those depicting the eating of beef biriyani and dialogues on 'dhwaj pranam', from the upcoming Malayalam movie Haal starring Shine Nigam.

'This Government Likes Parsis'

'This Government Likes Parsis'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'Parsis are inclined towards people who work for the welfare of others.'

When A Mom Was Murdered: The Story Behind The Film

When A Mom Was Murdered: The Story Behind The Film

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

'There have been multiple cases of people being shot for pulling into someone's driveway because they made a wrong turn or ringing the wrong bell because they made a mistake.' 'That is also the pathway to fascism.' 'The way you divide people is to make them fear each other. Then a strong man can come in and say, "I will protect you".'

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

Denied bail in 2020 riots case, Sharjeel Imam moves SC

Denied bail in 2020 riots case, Sharjeel Imam moves SC

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Activist Sharjeel Imam has moved the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court order denying him bail in a case linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. The High Court had denied bail to several individuals, emphasizing that conspiratorial violence under the guise of protests cannot be allowed.

BJP wants to 'turn West Bengal into its colony': Mamata

BJP wants to 'turn West Bengal into its colony': Mamata

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP-led Union government of compromising India's prestige before foreign powers, alleging a 'dictatorial mindset' and attempts to turn West Bengal into a 'colony'.

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Police conduct raids at bookshops in Kashmir to seize banned books promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism, following a government order. The ban and subsequent raids have drawn criticism from authors and political leaders.

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the anticipatory bail plea of a cartoonist accused of uploading objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS workers on social media. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously refused to grant him relief, observing it was a gross misuse of freedom of speech.

Mahatma Gandhi described RSS as communal, totalitarian: Cong

Mahatma Gandhi described RSS as communal, totalitarian: Cong

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the RSS on its 100th anniversary, citing excerpts from a book claiming Mahatma Gandhi described the Sangh as a "communal body with a totalitarian outlook." The party also referenced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's criticism of the RSS.

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

In an unusually hard-hitting response to criticism against it in a United States government report on religious freedom, India on Friday described the findings as 'deeply biased', visibly driven by 'votebank' considerations and a mix of imputations and selective usage of facts.

Nepal PM KP Oli resigns amid violent protests

Nepal PM KP Oli resigns amid violent protests

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Oli stepped down shortly after hundreds of demonstrators entered his office shouting anti-government slogans.

Ranas' speech crossed the freedom of speech line but no sedition: Court

Ranas' speech crossed the freedom of speech line but no sedition: Court

Rediff.com6 May 2022

Member of Parliament Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Ravi Rana have "undoubtedly crossed the line of freedom of speech" guaranteed under the Constitution, but mere expression of derogatory or objectionable words may not be a sufficient ground for invoking the charge of sedition against them, a special court in Mumbai has said.

'Fans Threaten Me And Say...'

'Fans Threaten Me And Say...'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'...and say that if I don't wear a sari, they will unfollow me.' 'Today, if I have 2.9 million followers on Instagram, out of that, the majority is from the South.' 'Telugu has given me the most fame and money.'

The Dangerous Reality Behind Maharashtra's 'Urban Naxal' Law

The Dangerous Reality Behind Maharashtra's 'Urban Naxal' Law

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

'The law under the guise of security represents a grave and unnecessary expansion of State power at the cost of fundamental rights,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

On his 200th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra traces the life, thought, and legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India.