News for 'personal liberty'

Congress axes Navjot Kaur Sidhu after Rahul Gandhi criticism

Congress axes Navjot Kaur Sidhu after Rahul Gandhi criticism

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Congress party has expelled Navjot Kaur Sidhu after she publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi. The expulsion follows her earlier suspension and a series of posts on X where she attacked the party leadership and questioned their commitment to Punjab.

Medha Patkar acquitted in defamation case filed by Delhi L-G Saxena

Medha Patkar acquitted in defamation case filed by Delhi L-G Saxena

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

A Delhi court acquitted social activist Medha Patkar in a criminal defamation case filed by Delhi L-G V K Saxena, citing a lack of evidence from the prosecution.

SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; releases 5 others

SC denies bail to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam; releases 5 others

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has refused to grant bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy matter, citing a prima facie case against them under the UAPA. However, bail was granted to other activists in the same case.

SC bars stem cell therapy for autism outside clinical trials

SC bars stem cell therapy for autism outside clinical trials

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that stem cell therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can only be offered within approved and monitored clinical trial settings, deeming any other use unethical and potentially malpractice.

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.

'Wonderful gesture': Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

'Wonderful gesture': Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado presented a Nobel Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump, who hailed it as a gesture of mutual respect. The meeting occurred after reported US military action in Venezuela.

Bail plea deferred 27 times! SC irked over Allahabad HC

Bail plea deferred 27 times! SC irked over Allahabad HC

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India granted bail to an accused in a cheating case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), criticizing the Allahabad High Court for adjourning the bail hearing 27 times. The Supreme Court deemed the repeated adjournments in a matter related to personal liberty unacceptable and issued a notice to the CBI.

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Mark Tully, the renowned journalist, author, and Indophile, has passed away at the age of 90. He spent a lifetime in India as a journalist, mingling with its people and telling their stories.

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Delhi riots: SC flags 'planning and mobilisation' role of Khalid, Imam

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court denied bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case, citing prosecution material suggesting their involvement in planning and strategic direction. The court granted bail to other activists but emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Khalid and Imam.

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Courts should not hesitate to deny liberty for corruption-free society: SC

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that courts should not hesitate to deny liberty to accused individuals in order to ensure a corruption-free society. The court's statement came while upholding the dismissal of an anticipatory bail plea in a corruption case against a public official. The court highlighted the dangers of corruption and emphasized that the presumption of innocence alone cannot be the sole consideration for granting bail in such cases.

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'If the BJP had contested all 227 seats, I believe they would have managed to secure a majority on their own.'

Goa fire: No transit bail for Luthras as court cites serious charges

Goa fire: No transit bail for Luthras as court cites serious charges

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

A Delhi court rejected the transit anticipatory bail pleas of Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a fire killed 25 people. The court cited their evasion of legal processes as a reason for the denial.

Nightclub fire tragedy: 'Silent partner' brought to Goa

Nightclub fire tragedy: 'Silent partner' brought to Goa

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A suspect in the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub fire in Goa, which killed 25, has been brought to Goa for questioning. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice has been issued for the owners, who fled to Thailand.

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Jadavpur University row: Students rename Kolkata after Maoist leader

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

An ultra-Left students' outfit, RSF, has triggered a row by symbolically naming the venue of its state conference after Maoist leaders killed by security forces. The conference was held at Jadavpur University.

HC slams UP police for detaining interfaith couple

HC slams UP police for detaining interfaith couple

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

The Allahabad high court on Saturday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Police for the 'illegally detention' of an interfaith couple without any direction/order for taking them into custody, and ordered their release.

'I Always Wanted To Be A Beauty Queen'

'I Always Wanted To Be A Beauty Queen'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'Coming from a small city, you often feel that your dreams are impossible but there is no word as impossible.' 'If you know that you can do it, just believe so.'

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

'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.'

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

HC directs Prajwal Revanna to approach sessions court for bail

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Karnataka High Court has directed suspended JD(S) leader Prajwal Revanna to approach the sessions court for bail in the rape case filed against him. The court clarified that Revanna could return to the HC if necessary, after the lower court considers his plea.

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right of freedom of speech and expression was being 'abused' while hearing the plea of a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

'No anarchic freedom': HC rejects X plea against govt takedown

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

These platforms carry with it the solemn duty of accountability to hold, otherwise it will imperil both the rule of law and the fabric of social harmony, the court observed.

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

'Petitioners not aggrieved': HC rejects PILs against Maratha quota

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Bombay high court on Thursday said it was not inclined to hear PILs against the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members for reservation, noting the petitioners were not aggrieved persons.

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.

'Seven Actresses Said No To Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

'Seven Actresses Said No To Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

'I don't hold grudges against them; they are all my friends.' 'Guess who suggested Rani Mukerji's name?'

Police must follow rules as a person's arrest is drastic: HC

Police must follow rules as a person's arrest is drastic: HC

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

A division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande termed the man's arrest illegal, as the police had not informed him in writing of the grounds for it.

No SC lifeline for Jacqueline in money-laundering case

No SC lifeline for Jacqueline in money-laundering case

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court refused to interfere with an order dismissing Jacqueline Fernandez's plea to quash an ECIR in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving Sukesh Chandrasekhar.

'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.'

'BJP Should Be Extremely Wary Of 130th Amendment'

'BJP Should Be Extremely Wary Of 130th Amendment'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'If the INDIA bloc ever forms the government, they will be more than tempted to use such provisions to bring about regime change in BJP-ruled states.'

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.

Court quashes order to take down articles against Adani

Court quashes order to take down articles against Adani

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

A Delhi court has set aside an order asking four journalists to take down alleged defamatory content against Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), saying the effect of removal of the articles by an ad interim ex parte order was 'sweeping' and it had the 'effect of decreeing the suit itself without a trial'.

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.

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".

Day after mother's passing, retiring SC judge Oka delivers 11 verdicts

Day after mother's passing, retiring SC judge Oka delivers 11 verdicts

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Justice Abhay S Oka, known for his unwavering commitment to liberty and constitutional values, bid farewell to the Supreme Court of India. In his final address, he stressed his dedication to upholding constitutional liberties, emphasizing that it was his "honest endeavor" to fulfill the dream of the Constitution's framers. He also expressed gratitude to the bar and his colleagues for their support and shared heartfelt memories from his time on the bench. Justice Oka's departure marks the end of a distinguished judicial career spanning over two decades, during which he served as a judge of the Bombay High Court, Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and ultimately, as a Supreme Court justice.

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Be mindful of Right to Privacy while ordering DNA test: SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has laid down guidelines for courts when ordering DNA tests to ascertain paternity. The court emphasized the need to balance the interests of all parties involved, including the child, parents, and other stakeholders. It also recognized the potential for infringement of privacy and the social stigma associated with illegitimate children. The court stressed that DNA tests should only be ordered when existing evidence is insufficient and when such tests are in the best interests of all parties involved.

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.

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Travel booking major OYO has launched a new check-in policy for partner hotels, starting from Meerut, introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check in.

'You're Putting Your Personal Life Out For Butchering'

'You're Putting Your Personal Life Out For Butchering'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

'The kind of things they were writing, 'Oh, what is this, she's overacting at her wedding.' 'Why is she not covering her head?' 'The kind of liberty people take to comment on what I should be doing in my personal life is not something I'm okay with.'

Kerala court discharges two nuns among 5 in human trafficking case

Kerala court discharges two nuns among 5 in human trafficking case

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A court in Kerala has discharged five people in a case alleging the trafficking of three underage girls for domestic work, ruling that there was no evidence of threats, coercion or exploitation.

Support for Pak alone without India mention not an offence under BNS: HC

Support for Pak alone without India mention not an offence under BNS: HC

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that merely expressing support for Pakistan, without any disrespect towards India, does not constitute an offence under section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).