News for 'misuse of power'

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march in Kolkata against Enforcement Directorate searches linked to I-PAC, signaling a show of strength ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The march featured cultural elements and participation from party members and celebrities.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Political consultancy firm I-PAC has reacted to the Enforcement Directorate's raids at its Kolkata premises, calling it an "unsettling precedent." The raids have triggered political upheaval in West Bengal, where elections are due in months. The firm, engaged by the TMC, said it would continue to work in an "unfazed and unperturbed" manner.

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

SC stays UGC regulations on hold, flags 'dangerous impact'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has stayed a recent University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation following petitions arguing that the Commission's definition of caste-based discrimination was too narrow, excluding certain categories from institutional protection.

The Worry Behind Sam Altman's Rs 4.6-Crore Job Offer

The Worry Behind Sam Altman's Rs 4.6-Crore Job Offer

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

By publicly attaching such a large sum to this job, OpenAI is telling the world that fears of rogue-AI has entered the boardroom

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Sitharaman asks fintechs to strengthen risk management to check AI misuse

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Former Pak spy chief Faiz Hameed jailed for 14 years

Former Pak spy chief Faiz Hameed jailed for 14 years

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Pakistan's former spy chief Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years in jail by a military court after being found guilty of violating the Official Secrets Act and engaging in political activities. This marks the first time a former ISI chief has been convicted.

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Govt makes active SIM link mandatory for messaging apps

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Indian government has directed app-based communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure continuous linkage to a user's active SIM card to combat cyber fraud. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A BMC spokesperson said the average voter turnout stood at 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm in the metropolis, which has more than 1 crore eligible electors.

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Days after his ministry told smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app, and it will remain dormant till they register on it.

Thackeray cousins, Pawar lead 'Satyacha Morcha' over 'vote theft'

Thackeray cousins, Pawar lead 'Satyacha Morcha' over 'vote theft'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi, along with MNS, held a protest march in Mumbai against alleged irregularities in the voters list, claiming it favors the ruling BJP. Key leaders participated and addressed a rally highlighting issues like multiple entries and wrongful deletions.

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When the accused has a past record demonstrating unprecedented and unmatched criminality and perversion, I believe the interests of justice would have been better served if such a person remained behind bars.'

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

Insurance industry flags concerns over proposed Insurance Amendment Bill

Insurance industry flags concerns over proposed Insurance Amendment Bill

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The insurance industry is trying to get to grips with provisions in the proposed Insurance Amendment Bill, which gives additional powers to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), while there is ambiguity in the very definition of the insurance business, according to industry experts.

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

No deaths due to codeine syrup, accused linked to SP: Yogi

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday strongly rebutted allegations by Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey over 'deaths' allegedly due to the consumption of fake medicines and codeine syrup, asserting in the Assembly that no such case has come to the notice of the state government so far.

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The sentencing of Pakistan's former spy chief Faiz Hameed may just be 'the beginning', as it can herald a spate of new cases against politicians and activists for involvement in anti-army riots over two years ago, a report said.

Maha passes bill to curb urban Naxalism; won't misuse, assures CM

Maha passes bill to curb urban Naxalism; won't misuse, assures CM

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Maharashtra legislative assembly passed the 'Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill' aimed at preventing unlawful activities of Left Wing Extremist organizations, focusing on urban Naxalism and passive militancy.

Relief for Gandhis as court rejects ED's National Herald chargesheet

Relief for Gandhis as court rejects ED's National Herald chargesheet

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The ED has accused Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as well as late party leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, along with Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and a private company, Young Indian, of conspiracy and money laundering.

'Horse-trading within K'taka Cong; MLAs offered Rs 50 cr, flat, car'

'Horse-trading within K'taka Cong; MLAs offered Rs 50 cr, flat, car'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleges 'horse-trading' within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, claiming MLAs are being offered bribes. He also accuses AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala of demanding money from ministerial aspirants and plans to write to the Enforcement Directorate.

Fresh FIR against Partha Pawar's biz partner in Pune land deal row

Fresh FIR against Partha Pawar's biz partner in Pune land deal row

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Another FIR has been registered against Digvijay Patil, business partner of Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, in connection with a land deal case. The FIR involves allegations of misappropriation, cheating, and forgery.

'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.'

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'The implementation of the judgment has largely been left to the discretion of the very executive authorities it sought to restrain.'

How Juice Jacking Can Steal Your Phone's Data

How Juice Jacking Can Steal Your Phone's Data

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Exercise caution when charging your phone in public places or borrowing a charger from someone -- you might get hacked.

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Assam assembly on Thursday passed a bill to ban polygamy, making it an offence which may lead to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, barring some exceptions.

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Instead of the government and telecom operators solving the mess of their own creation, they're telling us we need to give access to our phones perpetually.'

Award-winning BrahMos scientist cleared of spying charges after 7 yrs

Award-winning BrahMos scientist cleared of spying charges after 7 yrs

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Nishant Agarwal, a scientist who worked at the BrahMos missile centre, was cleared of charges of spying for Pakistan by the Bombay High Court after spending seven years in jail. The case revolved around the lack of 'mens rea' (guilty mind) and the prosecution's failure to prove intent.

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Why Is Media Silent On Kashmir Times?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

It is shameful that Kashmir Times has been attacked in the way it has and that Anuradha Bhasin has not found more voices to speak in support of her and her paper, points out Aakar Patel.

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Even as the Supreme Court's anti-punitive demolition judgment nears its first anniversary, no formal contempt proceedings have been initiated either by the Supreme Court or any high court against officers or demolition squads who have acted in violation of it.'

Privatisation of banks unlikely to hurt national interest: FM

Privatisation of banks unlikely to hurt national interest: FM

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday allayed apprehension that privatisation of state-owned banks would hurt financial inclusion and national interest. She said the bank nationalisation done in 1969 has not yielded the desired result as far as financial inclusion was concerned.

'This Reshuffle Is Classic Modi-Shah Showmanship'

'This Reshuffle Is Classic Modi-Shah Showmanship'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'If the BJP seriously addresses employment, examination integrity and systemic corruption, they might salvage their position. Otherwise, they are heading toward serious trouble in 2027.'

Shot in arm for Centre as SC upholds removal of 'Waqf by user' clause

Shot in arm for Centre as SC upholds removal of 'Waqf by user' clause

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has upheld the deletion of the 'waqf by user' provision in the amended waqf law, stating it is not arbitrary and addresses potential misuse.

'Such Laws Are Designed To Terrorise People'

'Such Laws Are Designed To Terrorise People'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'The definitions in the Act are so wide and so vague that they can be easily misused to target individuals who may not be conducive to the present government in power.'

SC refuses to examine Chhattisgarh ex-CM Baghel's plea on PMLA provision

SC refuses to examine Chhattisgarh ex-CM Baghel's plea on PMLA provision

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court declined to examine a plea challenging a PMLA provision, stating the issue lies in the law's abuse, not the law itself. The court allowed the petitioner to approach the High Court if procedures weren't followed.

Baramulla CEO sacked for controversial gag order

Baramulla CEO sacked for controversial gag order

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The chief education officer of Baramulla district was removed from his post after issuing a circular restricting teaching staff from criticizing government policies on social media, sparking controversy and criticism.

How To Use BNPL Wisely

How To Use BNPL Wisely

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Before signing up for a BNPL plan, read the fine print carefully and watch for red flags like unclear repayment terms, vague information on interest or late fees, and marketing that downplays the cost of default.

No SIT probe into anti-naxal ops, can't undermine federal structure: HC

No SIT probe into anti-naxal ops, can't undermine federal structure: HC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Chhattisgarh High Court has ruled that anti-Naxal operations, as part of regular counter-insurgency measures, should not be investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) unless exceptional circumstances justify such intervention. The ruling came as the court dismissed a petition seeking an SIT probe into the killing of a Maoist leader in Narayanpur district.

'BJP will have to pay the price for misuse of power'

'BJP will have to pay the price for misuse of power'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

Various constituents of the INDIA bloc condemned Kejriwal's arrest and claimed that the BJP is scared of the outcome of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and acting out of panic to create problems for the opposition.

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

J-K teachers warned against criticising govt policies online

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The chief education officer (CEO) of Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir directed teaching and non-teaching staff employed under the department to refrain from criticising government policies on social media, warning them of punitive action, including dismissal from service.

Legal Tussles Rock India's IT Sector

Legal Tussles Rock India's IT Sector

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

2025 has seen a sharp rise in lawsuits targeting IT services and consulting companies, which now increasingly offer proprietary digital platforms and cloud services.