News for 'misuse of power'

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

After IMF, India to oppose World Bank's $20 bn loan to Pak

Rediff.com23 May 2025

India will oppose the World Bank funding to Pakistan next month, arguing that Islamabad has used such funds in the past to procure arms and ammunitions. India previously lobbied against the IMF extending a USD 2.3 billion assistance to Pakistan earlier this month, presenting evidence of Pakistan's misuse of funds for military purposes. India feels that Pakistan has failed to act on terror emanating from its territory and has been diverting funds from multilateral agencies to buy arms and ammunition.

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".

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.

'Post Office Bill Certain To Be Misused'

'Post Office Bill Certain To Be Misused'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

'It does two things that even our erstwhile colonial masters did not deem fit for their subjects: The Bill does away with any checks or balances on the exercise of interception and surveillance powers, including any penalty whatsoever for unauthorised interception, opening, scrutiny, or destruction of postal materials.'

Won't be surprising if he is arrested: Pawar on Kejriwal

Won't be surprising if he is arrested: Pawar on Kejriwal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

Pawar said in the last 10 years, people have voted Kejriwal to power, adding that Aam Aadmi Party ministers have been jailed and steps were being taken to arrest him as well.

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.

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.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

Patole climbs speaker's podium, suspended for a day

Patole climbs speaker's podium, suspended for a day

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Congress MLA Nana Patole was suspended from the Maharashtra assembly for a day on Tuesday after he climbed the speaker's podium, demanding action against Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Babanrao Lonikar and Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate for allegedly 'insulting' farmers.

Spate of killings rock poll-bound Bihar

Spate of killings rock poll-bound Bihar

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

A surge in violent crimes, including targeted killings, has raised concerns about law and order in Bihar. Police attribute the rise to the widespread availability of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Pak gets $1 bn IMF loan despite India's strong objection

Rediff.com10 May 2025

India registered its protest at the board of IMF, which met on Friday to review the EFF lending programme for Pakistan.

'Tyranny of unelected': Kashmiri leaders 'locked up'

'Tyranny of unelected': Kashmiri leaders 'locked up'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that the 'unelected nominees of New Delhi locked up the elected representatives' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir after prominent leaders from ruling and opposition parties were not allowed to leave their houses to prevent them from visiting the graveyard of 1931 martyrs in Srinagar.

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Why Did IMF Loan Pakistan Money During War?

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

It is time for India to raise its voice not just through military prowess, but through professionalism, principled voting and partnerships, asserts Deepak Mishra.

Govt seeks details about marital status of Khedkar's parents

Govt seeks details about marital status of Khedkar's parents

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

The Centre has directed the Pune police to apprise it of the marital status of the parents of controversial IAS probationer Puja Khedkar amid allegations that she fraudulently availed of the OBC non-creamy layer benefit in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam by claiming that they were separated, an official said.

Cong to hold nationwide stir against ED action in National Herald case

Cong to hold nationwide stir against ED action in National Herald case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Congress party in India has condemned the seizure of assets belonging to the National Herald, a newspaper founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, and announced nationwide protests against the action. The party's general secretary, KC Venugopal, described the action as "draconian" and said it was a politically motivated attempt to silence the opposition. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among others, on charges of money laundering in the case. The Congress has called for protests in front of ED offices across the country on Wednesday.

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Border Security Force (BSF), central agencies, and the BJP of fanning tension in Murshidabad by allegedly facilitating cross-border influx from Bangladesh. She also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep the Union Home Ministry under control. Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of three people killed during the violence and directed the state chief secretary to initiate a probe into the role of the BSF.

FIR against Puja Khedkar's father for obstructing govt work

FIR against Puja Khedkar's father for obstructing govt work

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

"The complaint says that during Puja Khedkar's posting as an assistant collector, Dilip Khedkar allegedly used threatening language against tehsildar Dipak Akade, asking him to allot a cabin for his daughter even as he had no right to interfere in the administrative functioning," an official said.

Bangladesh court freezes 31 bank accounts linked to Hasina, kin

Bangladesh court freezes 31 bank accounts linked to Hasina, kin

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 31 bank accounts linked to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and their associates over corruption allegations. The accounts, holding a total of Tk 394.6 crore (INR 281.2 crore approximately), belong to Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and their related organizations. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) claims Hasina and others are trying to transfer the money from these accounts, prompting the court to issue the freezing order.

Day after Kejri arrest, INDIA moves EC against misuse of central agencies

Day after Kejri arrest, INDIA moves EC against misuse of central agencies

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

In a memorandum submitted to the EC, the INDIA party leaders submitted a list of recent instances of central agencies targeting Opposition parties and alleged an absence of a level playing field for the opposition.

BJP govt blatantly misusing its power: Pawar on Samir's arrest

BJP govt blatantly misusing its power: Pawar on Samir's arrest

Rediff.com2 Feb 2016

A day after NCP leader Samir Bhujbal was arrested by the ED, party chief Sharad Pawar said he has not seen such "blatant misuse of power" in last 40 years.

'Language of troll': Oppn slams Modi's 'Muslims repair punctures' remark

'Language of troll': Oppn slams Modi's 'Muslims repair punctures' remark

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

'Such a remark does not behove the Prime Minister. Also, you have brought the country's youth to this point. There are no jobs. The only option is to fix punctures or sell fritters. Muslims don't just make punctures. I can list what Muslims have made'

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Fourth-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party members in the Lok Sabha, launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws.

Electoral bonds: Court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman

Electoral bonds: Court orders FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

According to police, a first information report (FIR) was registered under Sections 384 (punishment for extortion) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) against Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Enforcement Directorate officials, office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party at state and national level, based on the order of a special court.

Difference in EVM votes, but don't have proof: Sharad Pawar

Difference in EVM votes, but don't have proof: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has alleged misuse of power and money to control the election mechanism in Maharashtra, calling for a mass revolt. He cites claims of EVM manipulation by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and says that the situation was unprecedented, with money and power used to control the entire election process. Pawar also expressed concerns about the suppression of opposition voices in Parliament and the lack of response to concerns about EVM manipulation.

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

SEE: Farooq Abdullah sings bhajan dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah surprised devotees in Katra by singing a 'bhajan' dedicated to Mata Shera Wali. He also voiced support for the ongoing protest against the ropeway construction in Katra, criticizing the authorities for not considering the city's interests. Abdullah emphasized that the people have the power to make or break governments and that the authorities are now reaching out to them to discuss the ropeway's location. He added that the core teachings of all religions are the same, and it is often people who misuse religion for their own selfish purposes.

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Ministership or freedom: SC gives Senthil Balaji a choice

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has asked DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to choose between his ministerial post in Tamil Nadu and his freedom. The court expressed concern over Balaji's reinstatement as a minister despite being granted bail in a money laundering case related to the "cash-for-job" scam. The court fears that Balaji's presence as a minister could influence witnesses in the case. The court has given Balaji until April 28 to make a decision.

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.

IAS officer Puja Khedkar's disability certificates to be probed

IAS officer Puja Khedkar's disability certificates to be probed

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The 34-year-old Maharashtra cadre officer faces accusations of using fraudulent means to clear her civil services exam, including allegedly misrepresenting herself under the physical disabilities and OBC categories, and misusing power and privileges during her posting in Pune.

Will Opposition Undo BJP Laws If Voted To Power?

Will Opposition Undo BJP Laws If Voted To Power?

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

The Opposition parties need to spell out how exactly they will protect the citizen from government excess, asserts T N Ninan.

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'By extending the definition of 'personal' to include institutions and not just individuals, the State has equipped itself with a tool to block access to most kinds of information.'

'CMO Delhi' handle renamed on X, BJP urges LG to intervene

'CMO Delhi' handle renamed on X, BJP urges LG to intervene

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The BJP has demanded the intervention of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in the renaming of the official 'CMO Delhi' handle on X to 'Arvind Kejriwal At Work', alleging that the change was made at the behest of the former chief minister. The party accused Arvind Kejriwal of misusing public funds for his own digital propaganda and demanded legal action against him. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) responded by urging the BJP to focus on governing Delhi instead of making "baseless allegations."

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that there cannot be a blanket stay on the law as there is a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre countered the pleas challenging the law's validity, asserting that the amendments were undertaken after a comprehensive study by a parliamentary panel. The government also highlighted the "reported misuse" of earlier provisions and the increase in waqf land, claiming that over 20 lakh hectares were added after 2013.

SC rejects SGPC plea on Ram Rahim's temporary release

SC rejects SGPC plea on Ram Rahim's temporary release

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to hear a plea by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) challenging the temporary release of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The court noted that Singh's counsel objected to the maintainability of the PIL before the high court, which was disposed of on the ground that it was filed against a single person, Singh. The bench said it was not inclined to consider the present petition. Singh is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples.

BJP, Congress misused CBI when in power: Kejriwal

BJP, Congress misused CBI when in power: Kejriwal

Rediff.com11 Dec 2011

Targeting the political class, Team Anna member Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress of misusing the Central Bureau of Investigation while in power. He also took on Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee for not being vocal about Lokpal like she was on the issue of Foreign Direct Investment in retail.

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Vadra has been questioned multiple times by the federal probe agency in a different money laundering case.

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

BFI vs IOA: Why Indian boxing is in turmoil

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Abuse of power, financial misconduct, and the never-ending turf wars are now coming to light as Boxing Federation of India's officials jostle to escape blame for the shocking turn of events.

Punjab LoP Bajwa booked over '50 bombs' claims

Punjab LoP Bajwa booked over '50 bombs' claims

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday demanded that Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa reveal the source of his claim that 50 bombs had reached the state, questioning if he had direct links with Pakistan. Bajwa, who had made the statement in a TV interview, said he cooperated with police but refused to divulge his sources. The police visited Bajwa's residence and questioned him about his statement. Mann also sought a clarification from the Congress party, saying the government will take strict action if Bajwa's statement was meant only to "create panic."

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking initiation of breach of privilege proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making "blatant lies and vilification campaign" during his speech in the House. Dubey alleged that Gandhi used his parliamentary privilege to spread canards without authenticating his charges and distorted historical facts during his speech. Gandhi had claimed that mobile phones were not made in India but only assembled here, China has captured the Indian territory, and India had sent Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to the US to get an invite for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for US President Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony. He also made allegations related to the electoral rolls for the Maharashtra Assembly polls and the law for the appointment of the elections commissioner. Dubey accused Gandhi of misusing the Constitution's Article 105, which accords privileges to parliamentarians for their comments made inside the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He urged the Speaker to initiate proceedings against Gandhi, alleging that Parliament's records and proceedings are a testimony to his irresponsible attitude.

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Tighter norms, rising compliance failures driving scrutiny for startups

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, once hailed as rising stars in India's clean energy sector, are now facing serious regulatory action.

The Politics of A Caste Census

The Politics of A Caste Census

Rediff.com2 May 2025

While data can empower communities, it reinforces identities, making local politics more caste-centric, with decisions increasingly contested on the grounds of representation.

Such dynamics could lead to shifting alliances and, in the worst case, local governance getting paralysed as each group demands proportional power-sharing, explain Amitabh Kundu and Mehebub Rahaman.