News for 'legislators'

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Why Justice Manmohan Urges Viewing Criticism As Suggestion

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Supreme Court judge Justice Manmohan stated that criticism of the existing legal system should be viewed as a suggestion for improvement rather than a condemnation. He highlighted the importance of addressing shortcomings to elevate the system and urged law firms to adopt a global perspective on legal education. He also emphasised the need for human oversight in technology and addressing the issue of pendency in the legal system.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Transgender Rights Bill Amended by Parliament: Key Changes Explained

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Indian Parliament has passed a bill amending the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, focusing on biological discrimination and excluding social orientations from its scope. The bill aims to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals facing discrimination due to biological issues, while also introducing graded punishments for harm inflicted on them.

Kerala High Court Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Kerala High Court Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed former state Transport Minister Antony Raju's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in an evidence tampering case, stating it is not in the interest of law or public interest.

Maharashtra Council Approves Law to Protect Acid Attack Victims, Penalise Online Sexual Harassment

Maharashtra Council Approves Law to Protect Acid Attack Victims, Penalise Online Sexual Harassment

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra legislative council has unanimously passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill 2026, incorporating provisions from the Shakti Bill to protect acid attack victims' identities and penalise digital sexual harassment.

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Amended bill on rights of transgender persons gets President's assent

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, which provides graded punishment for bodily harm to transgender persons, has been approved by the President of India. The bill has faced criticism from opposition MPs for excluding gays and lesbians and for the establishment of an authority to determine transgender status.

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

Maharashtra Sees Drop in Dowry Crimes Amidst Increased Vigilance

Maharashtra Sees Drop in Dowry Crimes Amidst Increased Vigilance

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Minister Pankaj Bhoyar reports a decline in dowry-related crimes over the past five years, attributing it to intensified government efforts through vigilance committees and special probe teams.

Actor Vijay faces scrutiny over discrepancies in affidavits

Actor Vijay faces scrutiny over discrepancies in affidavits

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Discrepancies in actor Vijay's election affidavits regarding pending criminal cases and bank accounts have surfaced, potentially leading to legal and political challenges.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Mumbai Legislature Complex Searched After Bomb Threat Email

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai prompted a security alert and extensive searches.

Bomb Threat at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Triggers Security Alert

Bomb Threat at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Triggers Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to a thorough search and evacuation. Authorities have deemed the threat a hoax and are investigating the source.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning': Cong's dig at EC

MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning': Cong's dig at EC

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The Congress party has accused the Modi government of abusing its power and distorting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry. The party alleges that the MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning' filled with defamation and lies.

Insolvency Law Key to Improving Banking Sector Health, Says FM

Insolvency Law Key to Improving Banking Sector Health, Says FM

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated in the Lok Sabha that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has been a crucial factor in improving the health of India's banking sector, significantly aiding in the recovery of non-performing assets (NPAs).

After Hormuz, Iran to block Bab el-Mandeb strait? Top official drops hint

After Hormuz, Iran to block Bab el-Mandeb strait? Top official drops hint

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

A senior Iranian legislator has suggested that Tehran could further escalate pressure on its adversaries by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns about global supply chain vulnerabilities.

Samrat Choudhary's full circle: From sacked Rabri minister to Bihar CM

Samrat Choudhary's full circle: From sacked Rabri minister to Bihar CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

It has been a chequered political journey for Samrat Choudhary, who began his political career as a minister in Bihar nearly three decades ago, only to be removed by the then-Governor following allegations about his eligibility.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Will Iran Be Browbeaten By Trump's Threats?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Far from it; the country's resistance to the US, its nuclear ambitions, and its pursuit of influence and proxies across the Middle East are driven by a constant search for independence and security. Thus, Iran will never capitulate. Trump will learn this home truth ultimately, and it is going to be a humbling personal experience that may even destroy his presidency, predicts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Kerala CM Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Nuns Attack Claim

Kerala CM Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Nuns Attack Claim

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging his involvement in the attack on nuns in Chhattisgarh, calling the remarks ignorant and excessive.

How the Jan Vishwas Bill Aims to Boost Ease of Business

How the Jan Vishwas Bill Aims to Boost Ease of Business

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, has been passed by the Indian Parliament, decriminalising minor offences across 79 central laws to improve the business environment and reduce harassment. Ministers highlight the bill's role in promoting trust-based governance and ease of doing business.

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has accused the state government of imposing arbitrary conditions on crop purchases, alleging anti-farmer policies and demanding compensation for weather-related crop damage.

Gujarat Assembly Bomb Threat Email Deemed a Hoax After Search

Gujarat Assembly Bomb Threat Email Deemed a Hoax After Search

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Gujarat assembly complex received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to an evacuation and police investigation. The threat was later declared a hoax.

UP MLC Booked for Alleged Forgery and Extortion Attempt

UP MLC Booked for Alleged Forgery and Extortion Attempt

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

An RLD MLC and four others have been booked for allegedly forging documents and attempting to grab land and extort money from a company in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

'Transgender Persons Will Have To Show Their Genitals As Proof'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Lakhs of transgender people's identities will get erased. Many of them will go into hiding and lead depressing lives.'

21 Karnataka Cong MLAs fly abroad amid power tussle

21 Karnataka Cong MLAs fly abroad amid power tussle

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

At least 21 Congress legislators in Karnataka have departed for a foreign tour ahead of the state budget presentation, fueling speculation amid ongoing power dynamics within the ruling party.

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) has announced its departure from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing the DMK's 'big brother' attitude and unmet demands.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha: Over 500 Fatalities in Three Years

Wild Animal Attacks in Odisha: Over 500 Fatalities in Three Years

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Over the past three years, Odisha has witnessed a surge in human-animal conflict, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries due to attacks by wild animals, including elephants. The state government is grappling with the increasing crisis, with specific forest divisions reporting higher numbers of deaths and injuries.

Nitish elected JD-U legislative leader, Samrat as BJP's

Nitish elected JD-U legislative leader, Samrat as BJP's

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Nitish Kumar was chosen as the leader of the JD(U) legislature party and is expected to be chosen as the leader of the NDA alliance in Bihar. He will take oath as Bihar CM for a record 10th time.

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Congress party has directed its MPs to attend Parliament and protest against the FCRA Amendment Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to minority organisations. The government asserts the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds.

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the opposition of misleading farmers regarding crop procurement, assuring that all produce will be purchased and that the government is addressing any difficulties in grain markets.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'