News for 'liberty'

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

SC refuses to revisit cryptic bail order, upholds accused's liberty

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that cryptic bail orders need not be revisited, asserting that a person's liberty hinges on the prosecution's case rather than judicial inaccuracies. This observation came while rejecting the Uttarakhand government's appeal against bail granted to Abdul Malik in the Banbhoolpura violence case, with the court also questioning the invocation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

SC strengthens arrestee rights, says magistrate must approve re-arrest

SC strengthens arrestee rights, says magistrate must approve re-arrest

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Supreme Court has ruled that an investigating agency must seek a magistrate's approval for re-arresting an individual if they were previously released due to a breach of constitutional rights, such as not being informed of arrest grounds or being detained beyond 24 hours. This judgment reinforces the importance of Articles 22(1) and 22(2) and introduces stricter accountability measures for police officers.

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Punitive action against student dissent unconstitutional: SC judge

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that threatening students with punitive action for expressing different views or asking questions is unconstitutional and a misuse of power. He emphasised that universities should foster free thinking and disagreement, as tolerance and dissent are fundamental constitutional values essential for a liberal democracy.

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Kite-Flying For Gaza Brings Mumbai Cops To Student's Home

Rediff.com2 days ago

A Mumbai student activist's home was subjected to a nine-hour police search following her participation in a global kite-flying event expressing solidarity with children in Gaza.

Tata Trusts Readies For Court Fight

Tata Trusts Readies For Court Fight

Rediff.com2 days ago

'It is unfortunate that the Chairman of Tata Sons, a Company renowned for setting high standards of corporate governance, is contending reappointment on such an untenable interpretation of the Articles'.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj get 3 weeks interim bail

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.

'I Lied My Way To A Role'

'I Lied My Way To A Role'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'I kept saying, we'll do it, but I had no clue how. Neither did my trainer. But we went in with the intention that no matter what, we will have to do this.'

Take a decision: SC raps Odisha over Dara Singh's remission plea

Take a decision: SC raps Odisha over Dara Singh's remission plea

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure with the Odisha government for delaying a decision on the remission plea of Ravindra Pal alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murder of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two sons. The court has directed the state to make a decision by September 17, warning of summoning officials if the delay persists. Singh, incarcerated for over 26 years, seeks premature release based on his time served and a 2022 state policy.

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

HC orders father, UP govt to pay Rs 25 lakh to sisters who converted to Islam

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.

Disha Salian death: 'CBI FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino Morea among others'

Disha Salian death: 'CBI FIR names Aaditya Thackeray, Rhea, Dino Morea among others'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the Disha Salian death case, following a Bombay High Court order that criticised Mumbai Police for its six-year delay and "glaring discrepancies" in the investigation. Salian, former manager of Sushant Singh Rajput, died in June 2020, a week before Rajput's own death, which led to speculation about a connection. The High Court had expressed concerns over the Mumbai Police's handling of the case, which was initially treated as an accidental death.

Daayra Review: Potent Kareena, Prithviraj

Daayra Review: Potent Kareena, Prithviraj

Rediff.com5 days ago

Its unresolved, noncommittal conclusion is exactly the sort of anticlimactic reality Daayra wants to bring our attention to. Neither justice nor revenge can undo the fate met by the world's Nirbhayas or Arushis, observes Sukanya Verma.

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Will challenge HC order quashing activist's NSA detention: SG

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that an appeal would be filed against an Allahabad High Court decision that quashed the detention of Delhi University student Akriti Chaudhary under the National Security Act. The High Court had also awarded Rs 5 lakh compensation to Chaudhary and criticised the "despotic" conduct of the Gautam Buddha Nagar DM. The Supreme Court also expressed displeasure over a Greater Noida executive magistrate's notice to another student for protest participation.

'Mirzapur Was A Huge Gamble'

'Mirzapur Was A Huge Gamble'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Gurmmeet Singh was extremely sure in his head that the canvas should be bigger. The movie should look big on screen. It should look like the Mirzapur world but at the same time, much bigger.'

No proof, no case: HC drops plea against Rahul's Indian citizenship

No proof, no case: HC drops plea against Rahul's Indian citizenship

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship. The petitioners failed to provide concrete evidence to support their claim that Gandhi is a British citizen, leading to the withdrawal of the plea.

'What May Be Justice For You May Be Injustice For Me'

'What May Be Justice For You May Be Injustice For Me'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

'What Daayra tries to do is explore the greys because everything is not black and white.'

Child trafficking 'heinous scourge', says court, denies bail to accused

Child trafficking 'heinous scourge', says court, denies bail to accused

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

A Delhi court has denied bail to Raj Kumar, an accused in an inter-state child trafficking racket, emphasising that child trafficking is a "heinous scourge" and an "onslaught on the moral conscience of civilised society." The court highlighted the vulnerability of children and the commercialisation of infants, noting that the complainant's newborn is still missing and the accused's wife has prior involvement in similar cases.

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

No end to trial in sight, SC grants bail to 2 IM operatives after 12 yrs

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has granted bail to two alleged Indian Mujahideen operatives, Mohd Saquib Ansari and Waqar Azhar, who have been in custody since 2014, citing a "grossly violative" right to liberty due to the extremely slow trial progress and no prospect of an early conclusion.

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Mumbai Rental Battle: 'You Can't Invade A Woman's Privacy'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Reddit post about a hidden camera in a shared living room has reopened an old question -- how far can a landlord interfere in a home he no longer fully controls? Here's what two Mumbai lawyers have to say.

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar released after Delhi HC intervenes

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar released after Delhi HC intervenes

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar, who was allegedly 'picked up' by plainclothes police officers, has been released, police informed the Delhi High Court. His family had filed a habeas corpus petition alleging illegal detention, claiming he was taken from his home while leading a protest for a murdered sanitation worker.

'People Were Crying That Their Builder Screwed Them'

'People Were Crying That Their Builder Screwed Them'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'I met with people who had their flats redeveloped. I saw this was a real human struggle.' 'People get caught in the middle between their dreams, wishes and their community.'

Subhash Chandra contests NCLT's power to form five-member bench in personal insolvency case

Subhash Chandra contests NCLT's power to form five-member bench in personal insolvency case

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra has challenged the National Company Law Tribunal's (NCLT) decision to form a five-member bench to hear his personal insolvency case, arguing that the tribunal lacks the power to constitute such a bench. This comes after a split verdict and a subsequent stay on an order allowing him to settle claims.

Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian's death, slams police

Bombay HC orders CBI probe into Disha Salian's death, slams police

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered a CBI investigation into the 2020 death of Disha Salian, former manager of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, after criticising the Mumbai police for their six-year-long probe which it said "raises more questions than answers." The court noted "glaring discrepancies" in the police's handling of the case, which was initially treated as an accidental death, and highlighted issues like delayed panchnama and unusual injury patterns. Salian's father had petitioned the court, alleging foul play and a cover-up, and sought an FIR against a political leader.

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Wife withdraws divorce petition against TN CM Vijay

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sankgeetha, wife of actor-politician C Joseph Vijay, has withdrawn her divorce petition filed against him in a family court. She had previously accused him of an extra-marital affair and mental cruelty, but confirmed her decision to withdraw the plea via video-conferencing.

Goa nightclub fire: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail for 3 owners

Goa nightclub fire: SC upholds HC order cancelling bail for 3 owners

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has upheld the Bombay High Court's decision to cancel the bail of Saurabh Luthra, Gaurav Luthra, and Ajay Gupta, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa. This ruling comes after a devastating fire at the nightclub last December claimed 25 lives and injured over 50. The apex court has directed the trio to surrender within two weeks and mandated the lower court to expedite the trial process.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

2011 Mumbai blasts accused gets bail after 15 years in jail

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

An accused in the devastating 2011 Mumbai serial bomb blasts has been granted bail by a special MCOCA court, primarily due to his prolonged incarceration of nearly 15 years and the principle of parity with co-accused.

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

SC forms panel to probe police action during student protests

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has established a five-member high-powered committee, led by former top court judge Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters and violence against police personnel during recent demonstrations in Delhi.

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Live-in relationship akin to marriage, parents can't interfere: Delhi HC

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that live-in relationships between consenting adults are akin to marriage, granting police protection to a couple facing threats. The court emphasised that fundamental rights to choose a partner cannot be curtailed by societal prejudices, reinforcing the legal sanctity of such relationships.

Why Sushil Kumar's Bail Plea Was Rejected By Delhi High Court

Why Sushil Kumar's Bail Plea Was Rejected By Delhi High Court

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to Olympian Sushil Kumar in the alleged murder case of former junior national wrestling champion Sagar Dhankar. The court cited concerns over influencing witnesses, the gravity of the offence, and Kumar's conduct, echoing reasons previously given by the Supreme Court when it cancelled his earlier bail.

NCLT clears Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 crore payout for Rs 22,006 crore debt

NCLT clears Subhash Chandra's Rs 6.5 crore payout for Rs 22,006 crore debt

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved a repayment plan for media baron Subhash Chandra, allowing him to settle admitted creditor claims of approximately Rs 22,006.57 crore by paying just Rs 6.5 crore, resulting in a nearly 99.97 per cent haircut for lenders.

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Footpaths for walking: SC asks states, UTs for update

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, directing all states and Union Territories to ensure proper, encroachment-free pedestrian spaces. The court emphasised that footpaths are integral to human life and safety, and states must respond to advisories issued by central ministries regarding their implementation.

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

JNU Prof Zoya Hasan's speech at Delhi school cancelled after VHP protest

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

JNU Professor Emerita Zoya Hasan's Independence Day speech at a private school in Delhi was cancelled following a protest by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The school and police cited security concerns, a decision criticised by Sahmat, which alleged pressure from the VHP.

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Operation Safed Sagar Brings IAF's Kargil Story Alive For Gen Z

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

If an OTT series can make a young person curious about the armed forces, make a family understand the sacrifices made by those in uniform, or simply make someone walk up to a veteran and say, "Thank you for your service," then it has achieved something far more important than merely getting its history right, notes Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Ensure every road has encroachment-free pedestrian space: SC to Centre

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure all roads have properly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians, emphasising that the right to walk on a footpath is a fundamental right.

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Mahima Makwana: 'My Life Depends On This. I Don't Have Another Option'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'There are days where I feel things are not going my way. I feel helpless, dejected and rejected.' 'But then what do you do? You wake up, dust it off and go.'

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirms more sprint races for 2027, balancing expansion with scarcity

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirms more sprint races for 2027, balancing expansion with scarcity

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali announced that the sport will feature more sprint races in 2027 than the current six, while emphasising the importance of maintaining their 'scarcity value' to ensure commercial appeal.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

SC denies Asaram interim bail, allows caretaker of his choice

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has denied interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor. While rejecting his plea for bail on health grounds for now, the court permitted him to engage a trained caretaker for round-the-clock assistance. The court noted that Asaram's counsel had previously moved for parole, and his health condition will be monitored.