News for 'religious freedom'

'US-India should focus on trade to counter China'

'US-India should focus on trade to counter China'

Rediff.com14 Dec 2020

'I hope that the incoming Biden-Harris Administration works with India to address some of the most profound geopolitical transboundary challenges.'

'Goa's defectors are pawns on the chess board'

'Goa's defectors are pawns on the chess board'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2022

'Goa is a tiny state, but in terms of its Business of Politics, several powerful lobbies of India are involved in it, be it the mining lobby, hoteliers' lobby, casino lobby, hawala lobby, drugs lobby etc.'

SC quashes FIR against winking sensation Priya Varrier

SC quashes FIR against winking sensation Priya Varrier

Rediff.com31 Aug 2018

The court said that the Malayalam folk song has been in the public domain since 1978 and the song video cannot be termed as blasphemous.

Was CIC Mahurkar Right In His Views?

Was CIC Mahurkar Right In His Views?

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

'As CIC, you have the power to comment on policy matters. 'If you have very strong beliefs and you know your rulings will be reported, you will express your beliefs.'

'In some ways, India is already a Hindu rashtra'

'In some ways, India is already a Hindu rashtra'

Rediff.com13 May 2022

'The way discrimination against Muslims has become almost normalised is very upsetting.'

Kerala becomes 1st state to challenge CAA in SC

Kerala becomes 1st state to challenge CAA in SC

Rediff.com14 Jan 2020

In the petition, the government stated that the act violates "Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Constitution of India" and is violative of the basic structure principle of secularism as well.

'Banning athletes who kneel is breach of human rights'

'Banning athletes who kneel is breach of human rights'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2020

The stance of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in potentially banning athletes who kneel in support of anti-racism protests is a breach of human rights, the Global Athlete movement said on Sunday. Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states that "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas".

New Navy Ensign Triggers Debate On Tamil Naval Feats

New Navy Ensign Triggers Debate On Tamil Naval Feats

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

While acknowledging Shivaji's naval contributions, questions are being raised about the inadequate acknowledgement of Chola sea-power in southern Tamil Nadu, which dates back by a few centuries, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Allegations of attack on nuns in UP 'wrong', says Goyal

Allegations of attack on nuns in UP 'wrong', says Goyal

Rediff.com29 Mar 2021

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday dismissed as wrong the allegations that two nuns belonging to a Kerala-based congregation were "attacked" during a train journey via Uttar Pradesh recently and alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was "making false statements" on the issue.

Hate speech accused defends Hindu rashtra demand

Hate speech accused defends Hindu rashtra demand

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

In a democratic set up, a demand for "Hindu rashtra" does not amount to promoting enmity between religious groups, an accused in a case of allegedly communal sloganeering at an event at Jantar Mantar here argued before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.

'India's distinctiveness will survive the present attempts to stifle it'

'India's distinctiveness will survive the present attempts to stifle it'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2021

'India's defining characteristic has been its ability to manage and sustain democratic governance through an accommodation of ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity.'

Is India becoming a flawed democracy?

Is India becoming a flawed democracy?

Rediff.com9 Feb 2021

For those who think India's democracy is just fine and there has been no change in the last few years, perhaps it would be instructive to see what has happened on a few issues, observes Aakar Patel.

A History Lesson For Modiji

A History Lesson For Modiji

Rediff.com8 Apr 2022

The concept of 'fairness by rulers' is deeply ingrained in Indians and any weakening of this dents the legitimacy of the ruler, warns military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Godse hailed at Dharma Sansad, seer leaves stage in protest

Godse hailed at Dharma Sansad, seer leaves stage in protest

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

Kalicharan Maharaj also used an abusive word against Mahatma Gandhi while delivering a speech at Dharma Sansad organised by an organisation at Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur, drawing flak from the leaders of the ruling Congress.

US visa ban on Modi to be lifted if he becomes PM: Report

US visa ban on Modi to be lifted if he becomes PM: Report

Rediff.com1 Apr 2014

The nine-year American visa ban on Narendra Modi will automatically be lifted and he would enjoy diplomatic immunity if the Bharatiya Janata Party leader becomes the prime minister of India, according to a Congressional report.

Hijab Row: Politics Of Communal Polarisation

Hijab Row: Politics Of Communal Polarisation

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

Some important simple truths about the issue may be more helpful than high sounding debates, asserts Mohammad Sajjad.

The man responsible for putting Payal Rohatgi in jail

The man responsible for putting Payal Rohatgi in jail

Rediff.com17 Dec 2019

The former Big Boss contestant posted objectionable content on her social media pages on September 6 and 21 against Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and other members of the Nehru-Gandhi family, following which Rajasthan Youth Congress General Secretary Charmesh Sharma filed a complaint.

Rahul slams govt over CAB, says attack on Constitution

Rahul slams govt over CAB, says attack on Constitution

Rediff.com10 Dec 2019

The Congress slammed the government on Tuesday after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, with former party chief Rahul Gandhi saying the proposed legislation is an attack on the Constitution and anyone who supports it is attempting to destroy the foundation of the country.

Comedian Kiku Sharda released on bail

Comedian Kiku Sharda released on bail

Rediff.com13 Jan 2016

The actor's arrest had sparked social media outrage with people calling it an attack on the freedom of speech.

Tibetans protesting Beijing Games march to IOC headquarters

Tibetans protesting Beijing Games march to IOC headquarters

Rediff.com3 Feb 2022

The marchers -- many wrapped in the red, yellow and blue flag of Tibet and dressed in traditional robes -- chanted and played drums, holding a minute of silence for their "martrys" before starting a "peace march" along Lake Geneva.

Only BJP leaders, their 'billionaire friends' safe in India: Priyanka

Only BJP leaders, their 'billionaire friends' safe in India: Priyanka

Rediff.com10 Oct 2021

People may belong to any caste and religion, they are not safe, the Congress leader alleged.

'The women loved Elaben'

'The women loved Elaben'

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

'Who would think of making a bank of poor women? She had vision and boldness.'

104 ex-IAS officers write to UP CM against anti-conversion law

104 ex-IAS officers write to UP CM against anti-conversion law

Rediff.com30 Dec 2020

They alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance was being used to "victimise especially those Indian men who are Muslim and women who dare to exercise their freedom of choice".

CAA does not violate fundamental rights: Centre to SC

CAA does not violate fundamental rights: Centre to SC

Rediff.com17 Mar 2020

The affidavit, filed by B C Joshi, Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the CAA does not confer any arbitrary and unguided powers on the executive as the citizenship to the persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh would be granted in a manner as specified under the law governing grant of citizenship.

SC to hear Priya Varrier's plea seeking quashing of FIRs over song on Feb 21

SC to hear Priya Varrier's plea seeking quashing of FIRs over song on Feb 21

Rediff.com20 Feb 2018

Priya has sought the top court's direction to prohibit states from initiating any criminal proceedings against her.

Relief for 'wink' girl Priya Varrier as SC stays cases against her

Relief for 'wink' girl Priya Varrier as SC stays cases against her

Rediff.com21 Feb 2018

Similar relief also extended to the director of the Malayalam movie Oru Adaar Love.

The fragility of faith

The fragility of faith

Rediff.com2 Dec 2018

'Faith, and the notion that it has been 'outraged', is used to justify the most outrageous, illiberal and regressive acts,' notes Shuma Raha.

India has to grow big, those blocking way will be eliminated: RSS chief

India has to grow big, those blocking way will be eliminated: RSS chief

Rediff.com15 Apr 2022

Likening India's progress to that of a vehicle that only has accelerator and no brakes, the RSS chief said those trying to stop it will either step aside or be eliminated.

50 arrested, over 150 booked in Pak for attack on Hindu temple

50 arrested, over 150 booked in Pak for attack on Hindu temple

Rediff.com7 Aug 2021

A mob attacked the temple at Bhong city of Rahim Yar Khan district of the province, some 590 km from Lahore, in protest against the release of an eight-year-old Hindu boy, who was arrested for allegedly urinating in a local seminary.

Protesters storm Lanka president's home, swim in Rajapaksa's pool

Protesters storm Lanka president's home, swim in Rajapaksa's pool

Rediff.com9 Jul 2022

The President had been moved out of his residence on Friday, in anticipation of Saturday's protests.

'Osama' teens attack Sikh man, mother in New York

'Osama' teens attack Sikh man, mother in New York

Rediff.com9 Aug 2014

Just days after a Sikh man was hit and dragged by a truck, another Sikh man and his mother were attacked in New York by a group of teenagers who called them 'Osama Bin Laden' in an apparent hate crime, sparking fresh outrage among the community members.

Taliban again postpone government formation in Afghanistan

Taliban again postpone government formation in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Sep 2021

The Taliban have postponed the formation of a new government in Afghanistan for next week, their spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said on Saturday, as the insurgent group struggles to give shape to a broad-based and inclusive administration acceptable to the international community.

CAA, NRC will not harm Indian Muslims: RSS chief

CAA, NRC will not harm Indian Muslims: RSS chief

Rediff.com21 Jul 2021

Bhagwat further emphasised that no Muslim will face any loss due to the citizenship law.

How the BJP has CHANGED India

How the BJP has CHANGED India

Rediff.com27 Aug 2021

Since 2014, India has left its moorings as a pluralist, modern, secular State because that is how the BJP wants it to be, notes Aakar Patel.

Gharvapasi: Home is Where the Heart is!

Gharvapasi: Home is Where the Heart is!

Rediff.com29 Dec 2014

'We must begin dialogue with openness and goodwill, but we will not proceed very far without trust and good faith. The alternative is the violence of 'might is right,' which settles very little and destroys so much of real value,' says Dr Rudolf C Heredia, author of Religious Disarmament -- Rethinking Conversion in India.

Hate speech: Jantar Mantar event organiser denied bail

Hate speech: Jantar Mantar event organiser denied bail

Rediff.com28 Aug 2021

Additional Sessions Judge Anil Antil denied relief to Preet Singh, arrested by the Delhi Police in the case, saying right to assemble and freedom to air one's thoughts are cherished under the Constitution, however, these are not absolute and have to be exercised with inherent reasonable restrictions.

HC stays sections on interfaith marriage in Gujarat's anti-conversion law

HC stays sections on interfaith marriage in Gujarat's anti-conversion law

Rediff.com19 Aug 2021

The Gujarat high court on Thursday put a stay on the operation of some sections related to interfaith marriages of the state's new anti-conversion law.

Karnataka: Anti-conversion bill tabled amid din, DK tears papers

Karnataka: Anti-conversion bill tabled amid din, DK tears papers

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

State Congress president D K Shivakumar even tore papers on his table, in protest against the introduction of the bill, which his party called 'draconian and anti-constitution'.

Villagers file case against 'preacher' IAS officer

Villagers file case against 'preacher' IAS officer

Rediff.com8 Oct 2014

'The Constitution allows me the Right to Freedom of Speech and Religious Freedom. But this is not religion... this is spiritual discourse,' says IAS officer C Umashankar, who is being prosecuted in the Madras high court for hurting the feelings of Hindus.

Sabka Vishwas: Will Modi walk the talk?

Sabka Vishwas: Will Modi walk the talk?

Rediff.com14 Jun 2019

If the challenge of the government is to regain the confidence of the minorities, it has to first overpower its own unruly gangs and their heroic masters, says Sunil Varghese.