News for 'religious harmony'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

'How Can You Ask Muslim Women To Wait For The Right Time?'

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

'Every issue that Muslims are facing today affects Muslim women. But how come women's issues don't affect the community?' 'How does the community benefit by the practice of halala or polygamy?'

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.

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

AstroSpeak: Your Predictions For 2026

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Astrologer Chirag Daruwalla, who is following in the footsteps of his famed astrologer father, the late Bejan Daruwalla, helps you navigate the Naya Saal.

Dalai Lama rings in 90th birthday amid succession buzz

Dalai Lama rings in 90th birthday amid succession buzz

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

A heavy rain Sunday morning did little to dispirit the thousands who gathered in the main courtyard of Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama temple, to observe the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the anticipatory bail plea of a cartoonist accused of uploading objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS workers on social media. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously refused to grant him relief, observing it was a gross misuse of freedom of speech.

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Prathap Simha moved the Karnataka high court on Saturday seeking a stay on the state government's invitation to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's 'Mysuru Dasara'.

PM, RSS sketches: SC protects cartoonist with a warning

PM, RSS sketches: SC protects cartoonist with a warning

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted protection from coercive action to a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant, agitated by excessive noise, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said.

Rajinikanth Fans Celebrate Lal Salaam In Theatres

Rajinikanth Fans Celebrate Lal Salaam In Theatres

Rediff.com12 Feb 2024

Lal Salaam is a sports drama that promotes religious harmony.

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow the release of the Hindi film "Masoom Kaatil," citing concerns over violence, promotion of lawlessness, and potential for inciting communal disharmony.

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

A private school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew its decision to ask students to wear "kurta-pajama" and bring special food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after it sparked a row with a local right-wing organization and some religious groups. The school said it was intended as a cultural learning experience and that participation was voluntary. The school also condemned attempts to misrepresent the event as religious propaganda and urged individuals to remove false and inflammatory messages on social media.

'No provocative slogans, display of weapons': Yogi on Kanwar Yatra, Muharram

'No provocative slogans, display of weapons': Yogi on Kanwar Yatra, Muharram

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

"This entire period is highly sensitive in terms of law and order, healthcare, sanitation, education, and disaster management. Hence, all related departments and district administrations must work with coordination and accountability," Adityanath said, according to an official statement.

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

I Love Muhammad protests: Agitation planned on anti-CAA stir model

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Police on Monday detained a close associate of cleric and Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Tauqeer Raza Khan in connection with the recent violence in Bareilly during a protest in support of the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, officials said.

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, commenced in Prayagraj, India on Monday, with over 40 lakh people taking the first holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the event, which runs until February 26, will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence.

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.

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Names and names and names and names... 329 in all. Some Indian. Some Canadian. Some British. Berry. Gupta. Jain. James. Bhatt. Beauchesne. Chatlani. Enayati. Lougheed.... Vaihayasi Pande Daniel visits Ahakista, Ireland, home to the memorial for the worst terrorist atrocity in India's history.

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

The High Stakes In Dalai Lama's Succession

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

On July 2 or July 6, the Dalai Lama will reveal his mind on his successor. This makes Beijing extremely nervous as the Communist regime fully realises the importance of controlling the next Dalai Lama, points out Claude Arpi.

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the arrest and the Chief Minister defending the police action.

'History is littered with religious conflict'

'History is littered with religious conflict'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

'The othering of religious groups inevitably leads to violence.' 'It is sadly a narrative that has echoed through the centuries since man first discovered God.'

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

Internet shut in Bihar town after religious clashes

Internet shut in Bihar town after religious clashes

Rediff.com27 Oct 2023

According to the police, the trouble erupted in the Bhagwan Bazar locality of Chhapra, which is the headquarters of Saran district, when a procession for immersion of Goddess Durga's idols was being taken out.

'RSS' Dharma Is 'Samanwaya'

'RSS' Dharma Is 'Samanwaya'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

'...to build a consensus, not conflict or struggle.'

Hindu seer booked for remarks against Mahatma Gandhi

Hindu seer booked for remarks against Mahatma Gandhi

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The complainant also alleged that Narsinghanand used abusive language against the Ghaziabad police commissioner and the assistant police commissioner of Loni in a video.

'Kannada was born out of Tamil': Kamal Haasan remark sparks row

'Kannada was born out of Tamil': Kamal Haasan remark sparks row

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Kamal Haasan's comments invited sharp criticism in Karnataka.

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

Case booked over namaaz at UP university during Holi

Case booked over namaaz at UP university during Holi

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Police have registered a case after a video surfaced on social media showing students offering namaz at a private university during Holi celebrations. The university administration has suspended a student and three security personnel involved in the incident, while local Hindu groups have demanded the arrest of those involved. The case has been filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 299 and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Protests and a partial bandh were observed in the communally sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following an objectionable social media post allegedly put up by a leader of a Hindu group. The post drew resentment from members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, prompting authorities to suspend mobile internet services as a precautionary measure. An FIR has been registered against the accused, Virender Razdan, and raids are underway to nab him.

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary has moved the Supreme Court seeking effective implementation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This move comes amidst several petitions challenging the law's validity, including those filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay. The Supreme Court, in December 2022, had restrained all courts from examining fresh suits and passing interim orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places. The Act aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, but the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. The court has listed Choudhary's plea with other pending pleas for February 17.

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'

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The latest issue of "Organiser", an RSS-linked magazine, has argued that the ongoing dispute over the Shri Harihar Mandir in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is not about religious supremacy but about seeking "civilisational justice" by uncovering historical truth. The editorial, penned by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of "Organiser", contends that the debate should not be limited to a Hindu-Muslim perspective but should encompass a wider discussion on historical truths and social justice. The magazine further criticizes the Congress's handling of caste and religious issues, accusing it of whitewashing historical injustices and promoting a false narrative about Mughal rulers.

Row erupts over Muslim cleric's remark on Dimple; NDA questions Akhilesh

Row erupts over Muslim cleric's remark on Dimple; NDA questions Akhilesh

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

A Muslim cleric has been booked for allegedly making objectionable and inflammatory remarks against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav during a televised debate.

Student arrested for namaaz at UP varsity's open space after protests

Student arrested for namaaz at UP varsity's open space after protests

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A student was arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly offering namaz in an open area of a private university. The arrest followed protests by local Hindu groups over a video that surfaced showing a group of students offering namaz on the university campus during Holi celebrations. The university administration suspended the student and three security personnel and called for police action. A case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges.

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

SC to hear Prof Mahmudabad's plea against arrest on May 21

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Supreme Court would likely hear on Wednesday a plea of Ashoka University's faculty Ali Khan Mahmudabad against his arrest for his social media posts over Operation Sindoor.

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'It was a disaster on his part to give an oral remark which allowed ascertainment of the religious character of places of worship.' 'This disrupted the social harmony of the country.'

BMC transfers assistant commissioner after Jain temple demolition

BMC transfers assistant commissioner after Jain temple demolition

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) transferred an assistant municipal commissioner after the demolition of a Jain temple in Vile Parle sparked a controversy. The demolition of the temple, which the BMC claimed was an unauthorized structure, led to protests from the Jain community. The transferred officer was in charge of the K-east ward where the temple was located.

The Legend of M T Vasudevan Nair Lives On

The Legend of M T Vasudevan Nair Lives On

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

No author in the Malayalam literary canon has influenced and profoundly changed the way normal people interact with each other than the ever-relevant, eclectic yet elusive body of work left behind by MT Vasudevan Nair, notes Arjun Menon.

Zubair's tweet threatened communal harmony: Delhi Police

Zubair's tweet threatened communal harmony: Delhi Police

Rediff.com28 Jun 2022

A day after fact-checking website Alt News co-founder Mohammad Zubair was arrested by the Delhi Police, officials said on Tuesday that his 'objectionable tweet of 2018 led to a Twitter storm with hate speeches, detrimental to communal harmony'.

Holi processions in Sambhal to end by 2:30 pm for Friday prayers

Holi processions in Sambhal to end by 2:30 pm for Friday prayers

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The mosques in Aligarh and Jama Masjid in Sambhal were covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure following a decision by the local administration.