News for 'religious practices'

Haq Review: An Important Watch

Haq Review: An Important Watch

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Made at a time when an insidious agenda can be read into it, Haq is an important film that deals with a contentious subject with maturity, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Dr Shaheen Sayeed captured in Faridabad part of Jaish women wing: Officials

Dr Shaheen Sayeed captured in Faridabad part of Jaish women wing: Officials

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

A woman doctor arrested in connection with an inter-state terror module was part of Jamaat-ul-Mominaat, an organization launched by Jaish-e-Mohammed, officials said.

SEE: Dhawan joins Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

SEE: Dhawan joins Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

Shikhar Dhawan participated in the Bhasma Aarti ceremony at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Owaisi, Congress MP move SC against Waqf Bill

Owaisi, Congress MP move SC against Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi have challenged the validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions. The petitions claim the bill imposes arbitrary restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, undermining the religious autonomy of the Muslim community. They also allege that the bill discriminates against Muslims by imposing restrictions not present in the governance of other religious endowments. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, with the petitioners arguing that it introduces limitations on the creation of Waqfs based on the duration of one's religious practice, mandates inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf administrative bodies, and shifts key administrative functions to government officials, thereby diluting the autonomy of Waqf management.

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China's policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America's steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Army Tuesday said no air defence guns or any other air defence resource were deployed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.

'Irreparable Harm If Govt Takes Over Waqf Properties'

'Irreparable Harm If Govt Takes Over Waqf Properties'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'Only because of the absence of a dedication record in writing, how can such properties be treated as located on misappropriated government land?'

Law can regulate offerings at religious places if,...: SC on Sabarimala

Law can regulate offerings at religious places if,...: SC on Sabarimala

Rediff.com17 Feb 2020

The top court said the old practices of "human sacrifices" and 'sati' amounted to murder under law and could not be saved on ground of "essential religious practice".

'We Decided To Give Our Employees What Matters Most -- Their Own Time To Celebrate Life'

'We Decided To Give Our Employees What Matters Most -- Their Own Time To Celebrate Life'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

'For us, it's not always about chasing revenue. It's about sustaining happiness and energy, because that's what drives long-term growth.'

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'The question for the TMC is not whether it can hold its bastions, but whether it can expand effectively into regions where the BJP already possesses a good ecosystem.'

'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.

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Waqf amendment bill gets President's okay, old act repealed

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has sparked controversy and legal challenges. The Bill, passed by Parliament after heated debates, has been criticized by opposition parties as "anti-Muslim" and "unconstitutional". The government, however, maintains that the reform will benefit the Muslim community. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Bill, alleging discrimination against Muslims and undermining their religious autonomy. The Bill repeals the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, and introduces restrictions on Waqf properties and their management, which have raised concerns about the impact on the Muslim community.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

Not fair to compare hijab with practices in Sikhism, says SC

Not fair to compare hijab with practices in Sikhism, says SC

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

The apex court observed the five Ks in Sikhism -- Kesh, Kara, Kanga, Kaccha and Kirpan -- are well established.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

'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.'

Shot in arm for Centre as SC upholds removal of 'Waqf by user' clause

Shot in arm for Centre as SC upholds removal of 'Waqf by user' clause

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has upheld the deletion of the 'waqf by user' provision in the amended waqf law, stating it is not arbitrary and addresses potential misuse.

Nehru prevented Sardar Patel from integrating Kashmir: Modi

Nehru prevented Sardar Patel from integrating Kashmir: Modi

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on country's first premier Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming he prevented Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from fully integrating Kashmir into the Indian Union.

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

5 Mumbai dargahs move HC against police action on loudspeakers

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The police have launched a crackdown against the use of directional loudspeakers (devices that focus sound in a specific direction) at religious structures in Mumbai pursuant to a court order.

'Fraud on Constitution': SC rules against religious conversion for quota benefits

'Fraud on Constitution': SC rules against religious conversion for quota benefits

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief in the adopted religion amount to "fraud on the Constitution". The court upheld a Madras High Court decision denying a scheduled caste certificate to a woman who converted to Christianity but later claimed to be a Hindu to secure employment benefits.

Presumption of constitutionality in favour of Waqf law, says SC

Presumption of constitutionality in favour of Waqf law, says SC

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of constitutionality in favour of law', the Supreme Court on Tuesday said petitioners challenging the waqf law needed a 'strong and glaring' case for interim relief.

Radicalisation In Kashmir Schools Cause For Concern

Radicalisation In Kashmir Schools Cause For Concern

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The surge in radicalisation has even startled some ex-separatist groups as they are concerned that another religious extremism wave, forced from the other side of the Line of Control, will destabilise the Valley's centuries-old Sufi tradition.

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

On October 14, 1956, Dr B R Ambedkar, fulfilling his long-held vow to renounce Hinduism, embraced Buddhism along with over 500,000 followers at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi, marking a new era of social and spiritual liberation for India's Dalits.

Amid row, Mumbai civic body covers Dadar Kabutarkhana again

Amid row, Mumbai civic body covers Dadar Kabutarkhana again

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Security has been beefed up in the area to prevent any law and order issue and deter people from feeding the birds, they said.

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'When I undertook a study of temple desecration in precolonial India, it was not enough simply to document what temples were desecrated, by whom, when, and where.' 'It was also important to explore the total historical context of such incidents, with a view to discovering patterns, which in turn could reveal the reasons why they occurred.'

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

In a major crackdown, police arrested 39 people, including local cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, in connection with the violence during the 'I love Muhammad' campaign after Friday prayers in Bareilly, while authorities suspended internet service in the district for 48 hours beginning Saturday.

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The decision to invite Mushtaq had sparked controversy, with several petitions challenging the Karnataka government's move.

China restricting religious freedom, says Clinton

China restricting religious freedom, says Clinton

Rediff.com14 Sep 2011

The Chinese government is restricting individuals, in particular those of the minority community, from their religious practices, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

NCERT's Fresh Take on Akbar, Aurangzeb

NCERT's Fresh Take on Akbar, Aurangzeb

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The book, to be introduced in schools from the 2025-2026 academic year, marks a shift in tone in its portrayal of the Mughal emperors, offering detailed accounts of conquest, religious decisions, cultural contributions, and brutality.

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

'Ball Is In BJP's Court'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They have to prove the credibility of their talk; whether they want to focus on the secular face of India, whether they want to focus on democracy and above all freedom of an individual to practice his or her religion.'

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that there cannot be a blanket stay on the law as there is a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre countered the pleas challenging the law's validity, asserting that the amendments were undertaken after a comprehensive study by a parliamentary panel. The government also highlighted the "reported misuse" of earlier provisions and the increase in waqf land, claiming that over 20 lakh hectares were added after 2013.

SC stay on collector deciding status of Waqf properties

SC stay on collector deciding status of Waqf properties

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has put on hold several key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the clause that only those practicing Islam for the last five years can dedicate a property as Waqf. The court also addressed the powers of collectors and non-Muslim participation in Waqf Boards.

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Gandhi Called Him 'Father Of The Nation'

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

On his 200th birth anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra traces the life, thought, and legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji, the Grand Old Man of India.

53,942 loudspeakers removed from religious places across UP

53,942 loudspeakers removed from religious places across UP

Rediff.com1 May 2022

A statewide drive undertaken to remove unauthorised loudspeakers from religious places and set the volume of others within permissible limits began on April 25.

How much time men and women spend on job-related activities

How much time men and women spend on job-related activities

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Women on an average gave 10 minutes more to "employment-related activities" and spent 7 minutes less on "unpaid domestic services for household members" per day in 2024 against what they did five years ago in 2019.

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Arundhati Roy is like a ballerina performing on a high wire, cool, supremely at ease but conscious of all the adoring eyes on her,' notes P Vijaya Kumar.

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.

Uniform unites, not religion, says HC; upholds Army officer's sacking

Uniform unites, not religion, says HC; upholds Army officer's sacking

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur rejected the petition by the Indian Army Lieutenant, who served as a 'Troop Leader' of a squadron, against the termination order passed on March 3, 2021, that dismissed him from the Indian Army without pension and gratuity.