News for 'madras'

'Rather check into a mental hospital': Kunal Kamra gets 'Bigg Boss' offer

'Rather check into a mental hospital': Kunal Kamra gets 'Bigg Boss' offer

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has revealed that he was approached to be a contestant on the reality show "Bigg Boss", but he declined the offer. Kamra, known for his anti-establishment views, is currently facing multiple FIRs for his comments and has been embroiled in controversy over his recent stand-up show "Naya Bharat". He shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp conversation with someone claiming to be handling casting for the show, where he stated that he would "much rather check into a mental hospital" than participate. It remains unclear whether the offer was for the 19th season of "Bigg Boss" or the fourth season of its OTT version.

HC orders FIR against TN minister for remarks on Hinduism

HC orders FIR against TN minister for remarks on Hinduism

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a case against state Forest Minister K Ponmudy, following his recent controversial remarks about Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The court warned the police that if they do not register an FIR against the DMK leader, it will initiate suo motu contempt proceedings.

QS Rankings: 9 Indian Unis Make It To The Top 50

QS Rankings: 9 Indian Unis Make It To The Top 50

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Nine Indian universities and institutions have secured a place among the world's top 50 in the QS subject-wise rankings, with the Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad claiming the highest position at 20th globally for Engineering-Mineral and Mining. Despite the success, some top institutions, including three IITs, two IIMs and JNU, have experienced a drop in their rankings. The QS World University Rankings by Subject, in its 15th edition, highlight India's growing higher education ecosystem in terms of both size and quality.

Cops visit Kunal Kamra's Mumbai 'home' to 'check availability'

Cops visit Kunal Kamra's Mumbai 'home' to 'check availability'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra failed to appear before Khar police in Mumbai on Monday in connection with a case registered against him for his "traitor" jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. A police team visited his Mahim "home" to check his availability, but he wasn't there. Kamra later took a jibe at the police, saying the visit was a waste of time and public resources as he had not been living there for the past 10 years. This was the second time Kamra was summoned by the police. Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court on the condition that he executes a bond in Tamil Nadu, where he currently resides. The case stems from a video lampooning Shinde over the split in the Shiv Sena, which led to Shiv Sainiks ransacking the studio where the video was shot and the hotel where it is located.

'Kunal Kamra will receive Shiv Sena-style welcome'

'Kunal Kamra will receive Shiv Sena-style welcome'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal has said that comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing a police case in Mumbai for making a derogatory remark against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, will be welcomed in "Shiv Sena-style" when he comes to the city. Kanal also said the party has written to the Mumbai police demanding a probe against Kamra under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) over foreign funding and unaccounted money. Kamra was summoned to appear before the Mumbai police on March 31 in a case related to derogatory remarks against Shinde. The Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to the comedian on the condition that he execute a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district in Tamil Nadu.

SC advances plea against BJP leader becoming Madras HC judge to Feb 7

SC advances plea against BJP leader becoming Madras HC judge to Feb 7

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday reconsidered a plea for urgent hearing of a petition challenging the appointment of lawyer Lekshmana Chandra Victoria Gowri as an additional judge of the Madras high court, and advanced the date of hearing to February 7 from February 10.

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Why Stalin Is Pushing Keeladi Over Indus Valley

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'It has the potential to sow seeds of furthering discord when the direction of the discourse is aimed at propagating the perceived supremacy of 'cultural nationalism' from a distant past over the prevailing dominance of 'Constitutional nationalism',' argues N Sathiya Moorthy.

SC grants custody of man with cerebral palsy to US mother

SC grants custody of man with cerebral palsy to US mother

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted custody of a man suffering from cerebral palsy to his mother, a US national, after determining it was in his best interest due to his inability to make independent decisions. The court overruled a Madras High Court decision, finding the lower court's interaction with the son insufficient to assess his needs. The Supreme Court emphasized the son's limited cognitive capacity and the availability of specialized support in the US, where he had completed most of his schooling.

Invite leader of largest pre-poll alliance if...: 6 Madras HC ex-judges write to Prez

Invite leader of largest pre-poll alliance if...: 6 Madras HC ex-judges write to Prez

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

They said there was "genuine concern" that if the present ruling dispensation loses people's mandate, the transition of power may not be smooth and there could be a constitutional crisis.

'ED crossing all limits': SC halts probe against Tasmac

'ED crossing all limits': SC halts probe against Tasmac

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Issuing notice to the ED on the plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government and Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the anti-money laundering probe agency, that "Your ED is crossing all the limits."

BookMyShow has removed Kunal Kamra from list of performers, claims Shiv Sena

BookMyShow has removed Kunal Kamra from list of performers, claims Shiv Sena

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal has claimed that BookMyShow has removed stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra from its platform following protests from the party. Kanal, the social media in-charge of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, thanked BookMyShow CEO Ashish Hemrajani for "keeping its portal clean and keeping such artist out of the list of pure entertainment." BookMyShow has not commented on the matter. Kanal was booked along with Shiv Sainiks for allegedly vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and alluded to Shinde while making a traitor jibe, which snowballed into a major row.

The Heroes Who Never Gave Up

The Heroes Who Never Gave Up

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Every wheelchair at the Armed Forces' Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Pune is a story of sacrifice and strength, of courage, resilience and unbreakable spirit.

SC stays Madras HC order that annulled election of OPS's son

SC stays Madras HC order that annulled election of OPS's son

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

A bench of justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta admitted the appeal filed by Ravindhranath against the high court order for hearing and issued notice to P Milany, who filed the petition challenging his election from the Theni constituency.

Recipe: Himachali Chana Madra

Recipe: Himachali Chana Madra

Rediff.com24 Aug 2021

This yogurt channa dish requires no elaborate preparations.

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Wednesday said the Maharashtra government has not taken vindictive action against any person for re-sharing or re-uploading stand-up comic Kunal Kamra's video in which he indirectly passed a 'traitor' jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

SC asks Madras HC to place Balaji's habeas corpus plea before 3 judges

SC asks Madras HC to place Balaji's habeas corpus plea before 3 judges

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday told the Madras high court chief justice that the habeas corpus petition of Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji shall be decided by new bench expeditiously, and asked him to place the plea before three judges "at the earliest".

Frederick Forsyth Made Us Think About The World's Fault Lines

Frederick Forsyth Made Us Think About The World's Fault Lines

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He was a storyteller who made me feel the pulse of history, the stakes of human ambition, and the thrill of a well-told tale. Prem Panicker recalls his debt to Frederick Forsyth, who passed away on Monday.

'Deeply sorry', says Kunal Kamra to...

'Deeply sorry', says Kunal Kamra to...

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The banker was asked to be present as the police wanted to record statements of witnesses, the official said.

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a case filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Kamra, who resides in Tamil Nadu, was summoned by the Mumbai Police and feared arrest, prompting him to seek bail from the Madras HC. The court granted him bail until April 7, on the condition that he executes a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

HC nod for Mahashivratri celebrations at Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

HC nod for Mahashivratri celebrations at Jaggi Vasudev's ashram

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to prevent the Isha Foundation from conducting Mahasivarathri celebrations at its Coimbatore campus. The petitioner had alleged that the foundation lacked adequate sewage treatment facilities and caused noise pollution. However, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) informed the court that the foundation has adequate treatment facilities and complies with noise regulations. The court dismissed the petition, allowing the celebrations to proceed.

Goodbye to manual scavenging? IIT Madras develops robots for task

Goodbye to manual scavenging? IIT Madras develops robots for task

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

Named "HomoSEP", ten units are planned to be deployed across Tamil Nadu and the researchers are in touch with sanitation workers to identify the locations, officials said.

Durga's Amma's Yummy Onion Sambar

Durga's Amma's Yummy Onion Sambar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Gouri Venugopal's sambar is unparalleled as far her daughter Durga and granddaughter Maya are concerned.

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.

Amid row over Sanatan Dharma, Madras HC says it is...

Amid row over Sanatan Dharma, Madras HC says it is...

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Justice N Seshasayee said in his order on September 15 that the court is conscious of 'the very vociferous, and at time noisy debates on pro and anti Sanatan Dharma' and the court could not help pondering over with genuine concern for what is going around.

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

HC orders Ananda Vikatan magazine to drop Modi caricature

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Madras High Court has ordered Ananda Vikatan Productions Private Limited to remove a caricature depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackled in chains during a meeting with United States President Donald Trump. The court ruled that the caricature, published in the magazine, was not protected under freedom of expression and could be considered offensive under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. The court also directed the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to unblock the Ananda Vikatan website upon receipt of confirmation that the caricature has been removed.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

TN temple town turns fortress over Hindu Munnani protest

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Hindu Munnani staged a protest in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, against a group of people consuming non-vegetarian food on the sacred Thiruparankundram hill. The protest, which was initially banned, was allowed by the Madras High Court with some restrictions. Several thousands of devotees, Hindu Munnani functionaries, and BJP members participated in the protest, raising slogans hailing Murugan (Lord Subrahmanya). Hindu Munnani state president Kadeshwara Subramaniam and scores of activists were arrested.

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Several Indian Army personnel, including those from the Armoured Corps, Regiment of Artillery, and other units, will be awarded honorary commissions to the rank of Honorary Captain or Honorary Lieutenant ahead of Republic Day 2025. The Ministry of Defence released a draft gazette containing the names of those who will be receiving the honor. This prestigious award recognizes their contributions to the military and signifies their elevation to a higher rank.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Amid protests, Madras HC chief justice shifted to Meghalaya

Amid protests, Madras HC chief justice shifted to Meghalaya

Rediff.com15 Nov 2021

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the transfer of Justice Banerjee to the Meghalaya high court. This decision snowballed into a controversy with voices for and against the shifting of the senior judge.

HC lifts stay on EC probe into AIADMK disputes

HC lifts stay on EC probe into AIADMK disputes

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Madras High Court has vacated a stay against the Election Commission probing internal disputes within the AIADMK, including the leadership and party symbol issues. This ruling is seen as a setback for the incumbent AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami. The court dismissed Palaniswami's petition seeking a stay against the EC's investigation into the leadership tussle and the allocation of the Two Leaves symbol to the AIADMK. The court directed the Election Commission to conduct the probe under the Election Symbols rules. This decision could have significant implications for the future of the AIADMK, as it allows the Election Commission to proceed with its investigation into the internal disputes within the party.

Shark Tank's Vineeta Singh Is A Bold Power Dresser

Shark Tank's Vineeta Singh Is A Bold Power Dresser

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Vineeta Singh is making boss babe moves both in business and fashion.

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

SC slams TN pollution board in Jaggi Vasudev ashram case

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reprimanded the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for delaying legal action against Isha Foundation, a yoga and meditation center founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, over alleged environmental violations. The court criticized the TNPCB for taking two years to challenge a Madras High Court ruling that quashed a showcause notice against the foundation. The court also emphasized the importance of environmental compliance for the yoga center, noting that it must meet all necessary parameters. The case highlights ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns related to the Isha Foundation's activities.

Madras HC stays ED's summons to TN officials in 'illegal' sand mining

Madras HC stays ED's summons to TN officials in 'illegal' sand mining

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

The ED, which is probing 'illegal' sand mining under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act apprised the court that it is in possession of credible scientific evidence.

'Failed Class 12. Can I Apply For JEE (Advanced)?'

'Failed Class 12. Can I Apply For JEE (Advanced)?'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

rediffGURU Mayank Chandel counsels students on the various options they can pursue after Class 12.

Sobhita-Naga Chaitanya Go For A Ride

Sobhita-Naga Chaitanya Go For A Ride

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The three-day Holi weekend saw many film folk take a quick travel break.

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

SC sets aside NGT order halting Auroville construction

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has overturned an order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that halted construction activities at Auroville in Chennai. The court emphasized the need for a "golden balance" between the right to development and the right to a clean environment, upholding the principle of sustainable development. The decision comes as a victory for the Auroville Foundation, which had challenged the NGT order, and highlights the ongoing debate about balancing environmental concerns with economic growth in India.

Madras HC bars buying of elephants by temples, others

Madras HC bars buying of elephants by temples, others

Rediff.com1 Mar 2023

The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has directed the secretary, environment and forest department, to ensure that there are no more acquisitions of elephants by private individuals or religious institutions in Tamil Nadu.