News for 'media misuse'

EC orders destruction of poll recordings after 45 days

EC orders destruction of poll recordings after 45 days

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Fearing use of its electronic data to create 'malicious narratives', the Election Commission has instructed its state poll officers to destroy CCTV camera, webcasting and video footage of the election process after 45 days, if the verdict is not challenged in courts within that period.

Day after stage removal, Kolkata cops intercept army truck

Day after stage removal, Kolkata cops intercept army truck

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Kolkata Police intercepted a military truck for alleged reckless driving, a day after the army dismantled a TMC protest stage. The incident occurred near the Writers' Buildings, with police citing dangerous driving and traffic violations. Army officials deny any wrongdoing.

Assam Congress leader held for social media post on BJP leaders

Assam Congress leader held for social media post on BJP leaders

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested on Saturday for a social media post questioning the status of cases registered against three senior BJP leaders, including a former state chief and two serving MLAs. The arrest came after a complaint by the wife of BJP MLA Manab Deka, who was mentioned in Singh's post. Singh's arrest was met with criticism from the Congress, with Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi alleging that Singh was "brutally dragged away" by police.

Now, Sidda says BJP manipulated LS polls in Karnataka

Now, Sidda says BJP manipulated LS polls in Karnataka

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday alleged that the Congress party's setback in the recent Lok Sabha polls in the state was the result of 'illegal manipulation' of the electoral process by the Bharatiya Janata Party, accusing it of 'misusing' the Election Commission.

'130th Amendment Risks Placing Power In ED/CBI/CID/Police'

'130th Amendment Risks Placing Power In ED/CBI/CID/Police'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'Anyone they don't like can be potentially arrested and thrown in jail for 30 days to induce regime change.'

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.

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.

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Trump's $100K H-1B visa hike hits Indian workers hard

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Trump administration has announced a massive increase in H-1B visa fees, imposing a $100,000 annual charge that will fundamentally alter how American companies hire skilled foreign workers, particularly impacting Indian IT professionals who comprise the largest group of beneficiaries.

Over 13,000 personnel, hi-tech systems to fortify Delhi for I-Day

Over 13,000 personnel, hi-tech systems to fortify Delhi for I-Day

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Delhi is under high security with over 10,000 police personnel and hi-tech surveillance deployed for Independence Day celebrations.

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

LS passes Bill to ban online money games, proposes 3-yr jail, Rs 1 cr fine

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Indian government has introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to ban online games played with money, aiming to curb addiction, money laundering, and financial fraud. The bill also targets advertisements and financial transactions related to such games.

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

BJP strategists are missing something somewhere, and they have not acknowledged it, to be able to repair it in good time, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

SEBI Cracks Whip On 'Pump And Dump' Scam

SEBI Cracks Whip On 'Pump And Dump' Scam

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

In a pump and dump operation, fraudsters artificially inflate the price of a stock by spreading misleading or false information, creating a frenzy among unsuspecting retail investors.

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

SC rejects PIL seeking gender-neutral dowry, maintenance laws

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to make dowry harassment and maintenance provisions "gender neutral." The court stated that it cannot legislate law and it is the responsibility of Parliament to look into such matters. The PIL, filed by an NGO, argued that these provisions are often misused to harass husbands and their families. The court, however, emphasized that every case must be judged on its own merits, and that the provisions are intended to protect women and children. The court also noted that the allegation of misuse was vague and that such claims should be examined on a case-by-case basis.

Nikki Bhati Case And The Dowry Trap

Nikki Bhati Case And The Dowry Trap

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

35,493 brides were killed in India between 2017 and 2022 -- averaging nearly 20 deaths a day -- over dowry demands, sometimes occurring even years after the wedding.

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Takedown Orders: X Takes On Govt

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

X calls the home ministry's Sahyog portal a 'censorship portal', stating it usurps judicial functions.

'Spent 90 days in Pak, met ISI officials': Raj man held for spying

'Spent 90 days in Pak, met ISI officials': Raj man held for spying

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The accused, identified as Kasim (34), had travelled to Pakistan twice -- first in August 2024 and again in March 2025 -- and stayed there for about 90 days, they said.

New IT rules to stop misuse of social media: IT minister

New IT rules to stop misuse of social media: IT minister

Rediff.com27 May 2021

"Ordinary users of WhatsApp have nothing to fear about the new Rules. Its entire objective is to find out who started the message that led to commissioning of specific crimes mentioned in the rules," Prasad added.

Fadnavis, Shinde condemn Sena MLA's assault on canteen staffer

Fadnavis, Shinde condemn Sena MLA's assault on canteen staffer

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said the incident of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping an employee of a canteen at the MLAs' hostel in Mumbai sends out a wrong message about all legislators that they indulge in misuse of power.

Facing media trial, will reveal the truth: Puja Khedkar

Facing media trial, will reveal the truth: Puja Khedkar

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

Probationary Indian Administrative Service officer Puja Khedkar, who is in the eye of a storm for alleged misuse of power and manipulating disability and OBC quotas, sidestepped questions related to the ongoing probe against her on Monday, saying the truth will eventually prevail, while the Pune police searched for her parents in a separate criminal case.

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Gandhi has been demanding voter lists, poll data and video footage from the election commission, alleging irregularities in Maharashtra assembly elections.

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

The Sword Of Vigilance Hangs Over Bankers

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

'Vigilance' is a dreaded term for PSB employees and there are instances where this fear is misused by the higher authorities to tame their subordinate officials. This fear always deters PSB executives from making decisions -- the fewer the decisions, the less the chance of falling into trouble, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

ISI, terror groups turn to social media platforms for J-K recruitments

Rediff.com20 Oct 2024

Once identified, these individuals are drawn into private groups where they are exposed to manipulative content, including fabricated videos depicting atrocities allegedly committed by security forces, the officials said.

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Election Commission is colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, citing data analysis from a Karnataka constituency. He claims evidence of 'vote chori' and demands transparency from the EC.

HC grants pre-arrest bail to NewsClick founder, cites prolonged probe

HC grants pre-arrest bail to NewsClick founder, cites prolonged probe

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The court said there is nothing on record to suggest that since 2023, Purkayastha was ever called to join the investigations.

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?"

HC passes order protecting Jaggi Vasudev's personality rights

HC passes order protecting Jaggi Vasudev's personality rights

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

It said Sadhguru has acquired uniqueness pertaining to his personality qua his voice, name, signature, image, likeness, vocal, articulation style and his unique attire, looks or appearance.

'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.'

ACB grills Sisodia for 3 hrs in Rs 2,000-cr school scam case

ACB grills Sisodia for 3 hrs in Rs 2,000-cr school scam case

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia was on Friday questioned for over three hours by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in an alleged graft case related to the construction of classrooms in government schools here, officials said.

Viral video wrongly identifies Navy officer Narwal, wife

Viral video wrongly identifies Navy officer Narwal, wife

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A viral video on social media showing a couple romancing in Baisaran, Pahalgam, has been falsely attributed to Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife Himanshi. The couple in the video, Yashika Sharma and Ashish Sahrawat, have spoken out against the misuse of their video, expressing their distress over the false claims. The video went viral after the death of Lt. Narwal, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir in April 2025. Social media users shared the video alongside the photograph of Himanshi sitting next to her husband's body. Yashika and Ashish have condemned the media for circulating the false information and urged people to report the fake video.

Delhi: Brother of man who supplied SIM cards to Pak spies held

Delhi: Brother of man who supplied SIM cards to Pak spies held

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Delhi Police has arrested another accused in connection with an ongoing investigation into an espionage racket linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs), an official said on Saturday.

AAP suspends Punjab MLA from party for criticising Majithia raid

AAP suspends Punjab MLA from party for criticising Majithia raid

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

Singh's suspension came days after he questioned the manner in which a vigilance bureau team raided the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Amritsar in a disproportionate assets case.

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Day after ED arrest, Gujarat Samachar owner gets temporary bail

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samachar, following a raid on their premises in Ahmedabad, sources said.

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Is Trump Winning Immigration Battle?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Mr Trump's actions, because of their extreme nature and the dangerous rhetoric that accompanies them, receive the most attention, points out Mihir S Sharma.

UP's social media policy: Rs 8 lakh for influencers, jail for 'objectionable' posts

UP's social media policy: Rs 8 lakh for influencers, jail for 'objectionable' posts

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The move triggered sharp reaction from the opposition, which has accused the state's BJP government of trying to stifle freedom of expression.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

Govt warns social media platforms over deepfake issue

Govt warns social media platforms over deepfake issue

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Vaishnaw told reporters that the government had recently issued a notice to companies on the deepfake issue, and the platforms responded, but added that the firms will have to be more aggressive in taking action on such content.

Chaubey fires back at Bhutia, slams 'vested interests'

Chaubey fires back at Bhutia, slams 'vested interests'

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

AIFF chief Chaubey accuses Bhutia of running football schools for "vested interest"

Djokovic defends 'misused' father over Russia flag controversy

Djokovic defends 'misused' father over Russia flag controversy

Rediff.com28 Jan 2023

Novak Djokovic defended his father after a video emerged showing him posing at the Australian Open with some fans holding Russian flags, saying he was "misused" by the individuals and that his family was against war.

'Imran expressed great sadness at Pak loss to India'

'Imran expressed great sadness at Pak loss to India'

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Imran Khan also questioned the cricketing credentials of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Elon Musk's X sues govt over censorship, content regulation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Social media giant 'X' (formerly Twitter) has filed a lawsuit in the Karnataka High Court against the Government of India, challenging what it called unlawful content regulation and arbitrary censorship. The lawsuit argues that the government's use of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act violates Supreme Court rulings and undermines free expression online. 'X' further claims that the government's Sahyog portal acts as a "censorship tool" that pressures platforms to remove content without proper legal review.