News for 'religious freedom'

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Modi Promises Women's Security, Citizenship For Refugees In Bengal

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.

Vikram Bhatt: 'Why Does He Keep Haunting Us Like This?!'

Vikram Bhatt: 'Why Does He Keep Haunting Us Like This?!'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'I can feel people around me thinking that this guy was about to die, and now he's back.'

India among nations targeting religious communities: US report

India among nations targeting religious communities: US report

Rediff.com16 May 2023

'In India, legal advocates and faith leaders from across the country's diverse religious communities condemned a case of extreme hate speech against Muslims in the city of Haridwar, calling for the country to uphold its historical traditions of pluralism and tolerance'

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

Time has come for Uniform Civil Code, but best left to legislature: SC

Time has come for Uniform Civil Code, but best left to legislature: SC

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stated that the time has come for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), while hearing a plea challenging the Shariat law of 1937. The court suggested that the legislature should address the issue of discrimination against Muslim women.

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Goa Police Issue Lookout Notice For Speaker Over Saint Remarks

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Goa Police have issued a Look Out Circular against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier and arrested his brother in Uttarakhand. The arrest follows widespread condemnation and protests over Khattar's remarks at an event in Goa.

NHRC notice to Railways over serving only halal meat in trains

NHRC notice to Railways over serving only halal meat in trains

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

According to the proceedings of the case, the complainant has alleged that the "Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals, which creates unfair discrimination and causes human-rights violations".

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which aims to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or marriage, with stringent penalties for violations.

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Main Vaapas Aaunga Review: Heartfelt, Moving Drama

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Main Vaapas Aaunga transcends its flaws to deliver a profoundly moving plea for humanity, anchored by heartbreakingly brilliant performances, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets derogatory, communal, says Delhi HC

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Delhi high court is reviewing a petition to remove journalist Rana Ayyub's tweets, and seeks her stand on a petition seeking the removal of the allegedly objectionable content from social media.

US envoy: 'Human rights, religious freedom are issues we are going to raise'

US envoy: 'Human rights, religious freedom are issues we are going to raise'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2015

'We are encouraged by what the prime minister said recently on these issues... We will keep a close eye on these issues. They are very important and as are other elements of our human rights and religious freedom.' 'So, absolutely, we'll keep a focus on them.'

Obama pitches for press,religious freedom in China

Obama pitches for press,religious freedom in China

Rediff.com16 Nov 2009

Maintaining that the United States and China are not 'predestined adversaries', President Barack Obama on Monday said his country does not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation, but subtly pushed for greater freedom of expression in the Communist country.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Who were the mothers who shaped Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi and other well-known Indians?

Why not engage with Hinduism too?: Hindu group to VP Vance

Why not engage with Hinduism too?: Hindu group to VP Vance

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

An American Hindu organisation has asked Vice President J D Vance to engage with Hinduism after he said that his wife, Usha, encouraged him "to re-engage with his faith." The request comes after Vance faced criticism over comments regarding his interfaith marriage.

Religious freedom as important as rights: Nikki Haley on India visit

Religious freedom as important as rights: Nikki Haley on India visit

Rediff.com27 Jun 2018

Haley said her India visit aimed at solidifying partnership.

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

White collar terror module: Kashmir starts profiling mosques, madrasas

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.

Controversy Erupts Over Reinstalled Statues of Kakori Martyrs in UP

Controversy Erupts Over Reinstalled Statues of Kakori Martyrs in UP

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A controversy has erupted in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, regarding the reinstallation of statues of Kakori Action martyrs. Questions are being raised about whether the statues are new or repaired old ones after they were allegedly demolished. The incident has led to political accusations, protests, and police investigation.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Political Fury

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were allegedly demolished during road beautification work, sparking outrage and demands for action against those responsible.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Congress Protests After Statues of Kakori Martyrs Demolished in India

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Congress workers protested and performed a purification ritual after statues of Kakori incident martyrs were allegedly demolished and dumped in Shahjahanpur, India, sparking outrage and demands for an investigation.

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Protests

Kakori Martyrs' Statues Demolished in UP, Sparking Protests

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Statues of Kakori train action martyrs were allegedly demolished during road beautification work in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, leading to widespread protests and an FIR being filed against the responsible company.

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The demolition of statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation, leading to an FIR and government action.

Sikh officer plans to sue US Marine Corps for full religious freedom

Sikh officer plans to sue US Marine Corps for full religious freedom

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

A 26-year-old Sikh-American officer in the US Marines who has been allowed to wear the turban - the first person in the 246-year history of the elite force allowed to do so, but with a few limitations, plans to sue the Corps if he is not granted full religious accommodation, according to a media report.

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The three principles he taught in particular -- Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha -- are as alive and necessary today as they were then. Perhaps more so.

Neha Singh Rathore Granted Anticipatory Bail in Social Media Post Case

Neha Singh Rathore Granted Anticipatory Bail in Social Media Post Case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to folk singer Neha Singh Rathore in connection with a case filed against her over a social media post related to the Pahalgam terror attack. The court's decision comes after Rathore appeared before authorities and cooperated with the investigation.

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Turning Over Bhagat Singh's Last Page: On Religion, Revolution and Compromise

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

On the 95th anniversary of Bhagat Singh's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the ideas and philosophy of the revolutionary giant.

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Kochi Biennale faces Christian group's ire over Christ painting

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A painting displayed at the Kochi Biennale has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from Christian groups, who allege that the artwork hurts religious sentiments by presenting a distorted depiction of Christ's Last Supper.

US govt body wants India named as 'country of concern'

US govt body wants India named as 'country of concern'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

A US federal government commission has flagged the alleged worsening of religious freedom in India and called for it to be designated as a "Country of Particular Concern".

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Union minister said such calls were tantamount to "inviting violence".

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

TN assembly passes resolution against Waqf bill, asks for recall

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday condemning the Centre's proposed Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, calling for its recall. Chief Minister M K Stalin argued that the amendment interferes with religious affairs and would negatively impact the Muslim minority. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Assembly, with support from all parties, including the opposition AIADMK and PMK. The BJP, however, walked out in protest, accusing the ruling DMK of engaging in divisive politics. The bill aims to streamline the Waqf Board's work and ensure efficient management of Waqf properties but has been criticized for potentially encroaching on religious freedom and autonomy. The Tamil Nadu government claims that the amendment would lead to government control over the Waqf Board and its properties, impacting its autonomy and potentially allowing for government acquisition of Muslim-owned lands.

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

National churches body moves SC against anti-conversion law in 12 states

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and 12 states on a PIL challenging the validity of their anti-conversion laws. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) filed the PIL, seeking a stay on the operation of these laws.

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rajnath Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Misrule and Appeasement in Bengal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of appeasement politics, encouraging illegal immigration for votes, and leading the state into misrule and corruption.

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Kerala nuns arrested in Durg for 'trafficking, conversion', Rahul protests

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other UDF MPs protest the arrest of Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh, alleging religious persecution by the BJP government and demanding their immediate release.

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Constitution doesn't support forced or fraudulent conversion: HC

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Justice Vinod Diwaker made the observation while rejecting a plea to cancel an FIR against four people accused under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Act, 2021.

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

HC stays release of Kerala Story 2

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Kerala High Court has issued an interim stay against the release of 'The Kerala Story 2-Goes Beyond', citing concerns over the censor board's certification process and potential disruption of social harmony.

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Infiltration, conversion cause population imbalance: Bhagwat

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed concerns about population imbalance, citing religious conversion, infiltration, and low birth rates as key factors. He advocated for 'ghar wapasi' and vigilance against infiltrators, while also emphasizing the importance of family and employment.