India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong concerns about the divisive role of social media in society, alleging it fuels anger and religious disputes. He also criticised the unbridled use of high-decibel sound systems, questioned the government's economic policies despite GDP growth claims, and objected to political messaging in public offices. Thackeray further addressed linguistic politics and endorsed the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.
"Whenever we do compromise those rights, the world is worse off," Pompeo said.
A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the UK has been booked by Pune Police for allegedly attempting to induce people to convert to Christianity. The individual is accused of using religious gatherings to spread misconceptions about Hindu traditions and make superstitious claims to attract followers, violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.
Wipro Technologies has issued a statement affirming its commitment to employee welfare and a safe workplace, stating it is fully cooperating with authorities regarding allegations of religious harassment, workplace discrimination, and forced resignation made by a former woman employee in Pune.
The Revolutionaries never draws you into its world nor explains the mind and motivation of its heroes or even the mood within a nation they're going through so much trouble for, observes Sukanya Verma.
The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.
4 Rivers 6 Ranges finds its strongest moments in the moral conflict between non-violence, survival and the fight for freedom.
The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.
India has rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a vibrant democracy that guarantees free speech to all.
The primary suspect in a case involving allegations of repeated rape and forced religious conversion of a pregnant woman in Gujarat's Banaskantha district has been arrested, with efforts ongoing to apprehend three other relatives.
About 50 people from various religious group attended a press conference on April 11, in West Sacramento, where California Assemblywoman Mariko Yamada, D-Davis, announced the introduction of Assembly Bill 1964, which would strengthen religious freedoms in the workplace.
India says the USCIRF has no locus standi to pass its comment on Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights.
Tensions have emerged within Jammu and Kashmir's ruling alliance between the National Conference and Congress over the full rendition of Vande Mataram at an official state event. While the NC defends it as a "statutory obligation," the Congress expresses strong disapproval, citing historical resolutions and the need to respect India's pluralistic ethos.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the BJP of being 'anti-religion' following an alleged 'purification' ritual after his speech in Uttarakhand, and challenged the ruling party's claims of patriotism, questioning their involvement in India's independence struggle.
The Allahabad High Court has ordered the father of two adult women and the Uttar Pradesh government to jointly pay Rs 25 lakh compensation. This ruling comes after the sisters were illegally confined at their parental home for converting to Islam. The court affirmed their right to choose their faith and criticised both the father and the state for infringing upon their fundamental liberties.
Actor-MP Kangana Ranaut and movie legend Sharmila Tagore are embroiled in a public debate over Vande Mataram.
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.
Eiffel Tower employees launched a strike, leading to the iconic landmark's closure, after allegations surfaced that female staff were asked to vacate their posts during a visit by the Hindu religious organisation BAPS.
A group of 11 American lawmakers has written to President Barack Obama to discuss the issue of religious freedom in India with visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their meetings at the White House.
Churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have started asking worshippers to fill self-declaration forms, affirming they are attending prayers voluntarily. This move comes after Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, came into force, leading to concerns among the Christian community about potential harassment and false accusations.
The Supreme Court of India has voiced concerns about the potential consequences of individuals questioning religious practices in constitutional courts, warning it could lead to the fragmentation of religions and civilisation. A nine-judge Constitution bench is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places and the scope of religious freedom.
After nearly 19 years, exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen returned to Kolkata, calling it a deeply emotional homecoming.
A collection of 688 autographed reflections by Mahatma Gandhi, compiled into 'A Thought for the Day', was sold for a record Rs 16.20 crore at a Saffronart auction, becoming the world's most expensive Indian historical document sold at auction.
The Donald Trump administration is planning another controversial executive order which if signed by the President will provide individuals and organisations the option to deny services, employment and other benefits to people based on religion, according to media reports.
The funding comes after a 2016 report found an increase in violent incidents by cow vigilantes mostly against Muslims in India and authorities often 'failed' to prosecute them.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
Exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen has returned to Kolkata after nearly 19 years, describing the visit as an emotional homecoming to a city she still considers her own, ahead of a literary event that has acquired political resonance under West Bengal's new BJP government.
The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill in the state assembly to prevent religious conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraud, or misrepresentation. The bill, titled the Chhattisgarh Dharm Swatantraya Vidheyak, 2026 (Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026), aims to curb conversions achieved through coercion or undue influence.
The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.
'Your constant reiteration on the lack of religious freedom in India has sown doubts about the kind of information that you are being fed and based on which you seem to be making adverse references to India and its tradition of religious tolerance.'
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on May 29 seeking a direction to the Nagpur Parsi Panchayat to treat a Parsi woman equally with her male counterparts, even after she marries a person of another faith, challenging a rule that allegedly strips Parsi women of their religious identity upon inter-faith marriage.
Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.
The Centre has supported the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple, arguing that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgement assumes male superiority.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.
The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, and the scope of religious freedom practised by multiple faiths.
