News for 'liberty'

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The 21-month-long Emergency also saw the government amend the Constitution several times, including to keep the elections to the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker beyond the scrutiny of courts and insert the words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' in the Preamble.

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.

Anti-constitutional: No HC bail to UP man over pro-Pak social media post

Anti-constitutional: No HC bail to UP man over pro-Pak social media post

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The court said the judiciary showing tolerance towards matters with anti-national overtones is leading to a rise in the number of such cases.

Delhi court closes JNU student Najeeb Ahmed missing case

Delhi court closes JNU student Najeeb Ahmed missing case

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

A Delhi court on Monday allowed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to close the case of first year Jawaharlal Nehru University student Najeeb Ahmed, who went missing on October 15, 2016, saying the agency 'exhausted all options'.

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The bench, which asked Jain to withdraw the plea filed against a Delhi high court order that dismissed a writ petition challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM by the Election Commission (EC), granted liberty to the petitioner to file a writ petition, wherein he may make a wider prayer for reforms in respect of political parties on different counts.

SAD leader Majithia moves HC against assets case, calls it vendetta

SAD leader Majithia moves HC against assets case, calls it vendetta

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The bureau had on June 25 registered an FIR and arrested Majithia in the case allegedly involving laundering of Rs 540 crore of "drug money".

'Will fight till my last breath': Najeeb's mother slams CBI, vows to move SC

'Will fight till my last breath': Najeeb's mother slams CBI, vows to move SC

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

A Delhi court on Monday allowed the CBI to close Ahmed's case, saying that the agency "exhausted all options".

Couples marrying against parents' will can't claim security as right: HC

Couples marrying against parents' will can't claim security as right: HC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that couples who marry against the wishes of their parents cannot automatically claim police protection unless there is a real threat to their life and liberty. The court emphasized that such couples must "learn to support each other and face the society" in the absence of any threat perception.

Encroachers can't claim right to continue occupying public land: HC

Encroachers can't claim right to continue occupying public land: HC

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

The high court made the observation while granting liberty to the DDA to proceed with the demolition action at Bhoomiheen Camp in South Delhi's Kalkaji in accordance with law.

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'The moment they fall foul of the party in power, they become unsafe. Then nobody can guarantee their safety.'

Prez hails Op Sindoor, Atmanirbhar Bharat in I-Day address

Prez hails Op Sindoor, Atmanirbhar Bharat in I-Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day, praising the response to terrorism, highlighting achievements in defense self-reliance, and emphasizing unity and progress.

'BJP Not Obliged To Accept RSS Recommendations'

'BJP Not Obliged To Accept RSS Recommendations'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'It is something like traditional Indian families.' 'The family might be run by younger people, but if the patriarch says that you should consider someone for some task, it is very difficult for the others to ignore it.'

Democratic country mustn't function like...: SC flags rising bail rejections

Democratic country mustn't function like...: SC flags rising bail rejections

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

"It is shocking that the Supreme Court is adjudicating bail pleas in cases that should be disposed of at the trial court level. The system is being burdened unnecessarily," Justice Oka said while hearing a bail plea.

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

No woman can be forced to conduct her virginity test: HC

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The high court noted that the contention of the petitioner demanding a virginity test of his wife is unconstitutional as it violates Article 21 of the Constitution which includes the right to dignity of women.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

If we don't act in matters of personal liberty what are we here for?: SC

If we don't act in matters of personal liberty what are we here for?: SC

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

Highlighting the importance of "personal liberty", the Supreme Court on Friday said it will be acting "in breach" of its special constitutional powers if it does not act in cases pertaining to the violation of the fundamental rights of the citizens of the country.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

HC summons to commentator Abhijit in women scribes' defamation suit

HC summons to commentator Abhijit in women scribes' defamation suit

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Delhi High Court has issued summons to commentator Abhijit Iyer Mitra in a defamation lawsuit filed by nine women journalists from Newslaundry. The journalists allege that Mitra used "derogatory terms and slurs" while making "defamatory, false, malicious and unsubstantiated allegations" on X (formerly Twitter). While Mitra has deleted the allegedly defamatory content, the court has directed him to submit written submissions and has reminded him of the limits of free speech. The court has also asked the social media platform X to provide its stand on the matter.

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Long incarceration no ground for bail in terror cases: HC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has ruled that an undertrial's prolonged incarceration cannot be a reason to grant bail in terrorism cases, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses and their potential to destabilize the nation. The court denied bail to separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan in a terror-funding case involving Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed. The court considered the accused's argument regarding a prolonged trial and his right to liberty but emphasized that the serious nature of the crime, with its potential to disrupt national unity and create fear among the public, outweighs the length of incarceration. Khan, who was arrested in 2017, has been accused of conspiring for secession of Jammu and Kashmir through terrorist activities, receiving funding from Pakistan, and organizing anti-India rallies and demonstrations. The court highlighted the evidence, including witness statements and documents, supporting the accusations against Khan.

SC refuses to impose ban on social media usage for children

SC refuses to impose ban on social media usage for children

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

"It is a policy matter. You ask Parliament to enact the law," a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih told the counsel appearing for the petitioner.

India is not dharamashala: SC on foreign convict's plea

India is not dharamashala: SC on foreign convict's plea

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The petitioner's counsel said his client was facing threats of arrest and torture in his country as he was a former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam member, and that his wife and children had settled in India.

US court blocks Trump's major tariffs, says exceeds authority

US court blocks Trump's major tariffs, says exceeds authority

Rediff.com29 May 2025

A US federal court on Wednesday (local time) ruled against US President Donald Trump's large-scale imposition of sweeping tariffs, deeming that this move exceeds his legal authority and that it would affect a wide range of imported goods, as reported by CNN.

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

SC rejects NIA plea against bail given to accused in RSS leader's murder case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere with the bail granted to 17 members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the 2022 murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. The court noted that the Kerala High Court, which granted bail, has the power to revoke it if the conditions are violated. The NIA had sought cancellation of the bail, alleging the accused had violated bail conditions and contacted witnesses. The accused are also facing trial for allegedly instigating communal violence in Kerala and other parts of the country.

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

SC bail for 23-year-old influencer accused of raping 40-year-old

Rediff.com28 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted interim bail to a 23-year-old social media influencer accused of raping a 40-year-old woman, raising questions about the Delhi Police's investigation. The court questioned the basis of the rape charges, noting that the woman had gone voluntarily with the accused to Jammu. The court also remarked on the man's influence, asking "Who gets influenced by such people?"

SC refuses to hear PIL for SIT probe into Murshidabad violence

SC refuses to hear PIL for SIT probe into Murshidabad violence

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The bench questioned the petitioner for not moving the high court and directly coming to the apex court.

Indians Secured 7% of US Green Cards In 2023

Indians Secured 7% of US Green Cards In 2023

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Green card holders have the right to live permanently in the country, but only if they do not commit deportable offences.

Is she a drug lord? SC asks police; grants bail to Puja Khedkar

Is she a drug lord? SC asks police; grants bail to Puja Khedkar

Rediff.com21 May 2025

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination for availing reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

'Maligned India': Govt defends cancelling US scribe's OCI card

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The Centre has defended in the Delhi high court its decision to cancel the overseas citizen of India (OCI) card of United States-based journalist Raphael Satter saying he maligned Indian institutions in the international arena through journalistic activities.

Preventive detention must be used sparingly: SC

Preventive detention must be used sparingly: SC

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Preventive detention is an extraordinary power in the hands of the state that must be used sparingly, said the Supreme Court as it set aside an order to detain a man indulging in money lending in Kerala.

'It's a free market': SC junks plea to regulate Internet prices

'It's a free market': SC junks plea to regulate Internet prices

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The top court, however, clarified that if the petitioner wanted to take any recourse to appropriate statutory remedy, he was at liberty to do so.

Order blocking YouTube channel '4PM' withdrawn, SC told

Order blocking YouTube channel '4PM' withdrawn, SC told

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The plea claimed the blocking was effected by the intermediary pursuant to an undisclosed direction allegedly issued by the Centre citing vague grounds of "national security" and "public order".

How To Monsoon-Proof Your Car Ride

How To Monsoon-Proof Your Car Ride

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Even if you have a comprehensive motor insurance policy, it may not provide sufficient protection against monsoon-related risks.

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra state election commission to notify local body elections in the state within four weeks. The court also ruled that the contentious issue of OBC reservation in local body polls will be as it existed prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report. The court accepted the commission's report, which recommended a census to fix exact data on OBCs and reserve 27 per cent seats for the category in local body polls in Maharashtra. The bench on Tuesday fixed a timeline for concluding the local body polls and asked the state panel to conclude it in four months. The outcome of Maharashtra local body elections would be subject to decisions in pending petitions before the apex court.

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.

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

SC protects family facing deportation to Pakistan

Rediff.com2 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday directed authorities not to deport to Pakistan six members of a family, who allegedly overstayed their visa, till their citizenship claim is verified.

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

SC extends bail to Ashoka university professor, bars posts on FIR

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has extended the interim bail of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who was arrested for contentious social media posts on Operation Sindoor. The court, however, restrained him from posting anything online with respect to the cases against him, stating that there was no impediment on his right to speech and expression. The court directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to furnish the investigation report on the next date of hearing.

SC seeks govt response on plea against YouTube channel '4PM' ban

SC seeks govt response on plea against YouTube channel '4PM' ban

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought responses from the Centre and others on a petition challenging the blocking of the YouTube channel '4PM'. The petitioner, Sanjay Sharma, the Editor of the channel, alleges that the blocking order, issued by an intermediary based on an undisclosed direction from the Centre, violates his right to free speech and the public's right to information. The plea argues that the blocking was based on vague grounds of 'national security' and 'public order' without any opportunity to be heard. The court has issued notices to the Centre and others seeking their responses on the petition.

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Rediff.com16 May 2025

In a first, the New York State Senate has formally adopted a resolution honouring the Indian Constitution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, recognising it as a guiding framework for India's ongoing progress as a nation and celebrating the country's democratic values.

SC restores rule mandating 3-year law practice for judicial service

SC restores rule mandating 3-year law practice for judicial service

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The verdict will have far-reaching implications for judicial service aspirants.

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Indian student files lawsuit against possible deportation from US

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Four students, including an Indian, at Michigan public universities have filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, alleging their student immigration status was unlawfully terminated. The lawsuit claims the students' status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was illegally terminated without proper notice or explanation. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan, representing the students, says they were targeted by the Trump administration without a valid reason. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the students' status to allow them to complete their studies and avoid the risk of detention and deportation. The case is part of a growing trend of lawsuits against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown on higher education. Experts warn that these actions could deter future international scholars from choosing the US as their academic destination, undermining the reputation of US universities.