News for 'religious practices'

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Kharge claimed that the Centre accepted "intelligence failure" in an all-party meeting and said it should be held accountable for "not reinforcing" security arrangements in Kashmir to protect people.

Won't allow Hindi imposition in Maharashtra: Uddhav

Won't allow Hindi imposition in Maharashtra: Uddhav

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has vowed to oppose the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language for students of Classes 1 to 5, stating that his party will not allow it. Thackeray, addressing an event of the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, the workers' wing of the Shiv Sena (UBT), said his party has no aversion to the Hindi language but questioned the need to force it upon students. He also criticized the ruling BJP's approach, alleging their aim is to keep people under pressure and prevent unity. He accused the current government of working against the interests of Marathi and Maharashtra, and slammed Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for his alleged subservience to those he believes are harming the state's interests. Thackeray further criticized the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, arguing against the appointment of non-Muslims on the Waqf Board and questioning the government's intentions in appointing non-Hindus to Hindu religious organizations. He also claimed that his government was overthrown because he had stalled the implementation of labor codes in the state. Thackeray concluded his speech by urging party members to prioritize the hiring of Bharatiya Kamgar Sena union members in workplaces where the union has a presence.

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasizing that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by a right-wing group, who argued that the deity's attire should be made only by those who adhere to "religious purity." The temple priests countered by highlighting the historical contributions of Muslim artisans to temple traditions and the impracticality of replacing them.

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

'Without US, Saudis, UAE in loop, there will be no retaliation'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan's army wants to escalate violence in Kashmir, they have an unlimited supply of jihadis they can train and send. That's not an issue for them.'

Karnataka govt is considering law to regulate religious conversion: Home minister

Karnataka govt is considering law to regulate religious conversion: Home minister

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

Indulging in religious conversion with inducement or under pressure is an "unpardonable offence", the state home minister Araga Jnanendra said adding, it may also lead to disturbance of peace in the society.

SC delivers split verdict in Karnataka hijab ban, case goes to CJI

SC delivers split verdict in Karnataka hijab ban, case goes to CJI

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

While Justice Hemant Gupta dismissed the appeals against the high court verdict, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia allowed them.

Muslim personal law board moves SC against Karnataka HC's hijab verdict

Muslim personal law board moves SC against Karnataka HC's hijab verdict

Rediff.com28 Mar 2022

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Karnataka high court verdict which had dismissed petitions seeking permission to wear the hijab inside the classroom saying hijab is not a part of the essential religious practice in the Islamic faith.

Courts have 'institutional incapacity' to interpret Quran, hijab petitioners tell SC

Courts have 'institutional incapacity' to interpret Quran, hijab petitioners tell SC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

The counsel for the petitioners in the hijab ban row on Monday told the Supreme Court the Karnataka high court did an "objectionable" thing when it tried to "interpret" the Holy Quran and held the headscarf worn by Muslim women was not an essential religious practice.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Modi, Egypt's grand mufti discuss social, religious harmony

Modi, Egypt's grand mufti discuss social, religious harmony

Rediff.com25 Jun 2023

The MEA said the Grand Mufti appreciated the Prime Minister's leadership in fostering inclusivity and pluralism.

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that it will neither denotify Waqf properties, including "Waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central Waqf council and boards till May 5.

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Heading To The Kumbh? Here's How To Plan

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Prayagraj is a must-visit place in 2025, but in January and February you can't miss the Maha Kumbh, a spectacular event like no other.

Pattern to marginalise minority community, hijab petitioners tell SC

Pattern to marginalise minority community, hijab petitioners tell SC

Rediff.com19 Sep 2022

Asserting that hijab is the "identity" of Muslims, senior advocate Dushyant Dave told the Supreme Court on Monday that various acts of omission and commission like Karnataka's headscarf controversy showed a "pattern to marginalise the minority community".

HC dismisses PIL against Jan 22 holiday in Maharashtra

HC dismisses PIL against Jan 22 holiday in Maharashtra

Rediff.com21 Jan 2024

The Bombay high court on Sunday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four students against the Maharashtra government's decision declaring a public holiday on January 22, on the occasion of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

Forced religious conversions affect nation's security, freedom of faith: SC

Forced religious conversions affect nation's security, freedom of faith: SC

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

Terming forced religious conversion a "very serious" issue, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to step in and make sincere efforts to check the practice.

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

New CJI-led bench to hear pleas against Waqf Act

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the pleas challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act's constitutional validity will now be taken up by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India-designate Justice B R Gavai on May 15 as the incumbent CJI will be demitting office on May 13.

'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.'

Treat religious hatred as national crime, says Jamiat chief

Treat religious hatred as national crime, says Jamiat chief

Rediff.com13 Feb 2023

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has asserted that efforts to create a rift between people from different religions should be treated as a "national crime", and welcomed the government's outreach to Pasmanda Muslims.

Karnataka withdraws ban on hijab; BJP flays Siddaramaiah's decision

Karnataka withdraws ban on hijab; BJP flays Siddaramaiah's decision

Rediff.com23 Dec 2023

The chief minister said no one should indulge in vote bank politics

SC refuses urgent hearing on pleas against Karnataka HC hijab verdict

SC refuses urgent hearing on pleas against Karnataka HC hijab verdict

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari denied the request of senior advocate Devadatt Kamat who mentioned the matter seeking urgent listing saying that examinations are going on.

Withdraw Waqf Bill, talk to stakeholders: Muslim bodies to govt

Withdraw Waqf Bill, talk to stakeholders: Muslim bodies to govt

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Both factions of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Arshad Madani and Mahmood Madani) slammed the Bill and expressed grave concerns over the proposed legislation.

SC stays Rajasthan HC verdict declaring Jain practice of 'Santhara' illegal

SC stays Rajasthan HC verdict declaring Jain practice of 'Santhara' illegal

Rediff.com31 Aug 2015

The Rajasthan high court had in August made Santhara punishable under section 306 and 309 IPC (abatement of suicide).

Can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families?: UP CM

Can 50 Hindus be safe among 100 Muslim families?: UP CM

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that if Hindus are safe, then Muslims are also safe in his state.

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Fish sellers of Chittranjan Park found themselves in a state of disbelief last week when the anti-meat overdrive of the Hindu right hit the local markets with a warning to shut shops because they were close to a temple.

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Unmarried couples no longer welcome: OYO changes rules

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Travel booking major OYO has launched a new check-in policy for partner hotels, starting from Meerut, introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check in.

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Several Muslim families in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have adopted Hindu surnames such as Dubey, Pandey, and Tiwari, claiming their ancestors were Brahmins. This follows a campaign by the Vishal Bharat Sansthan, which aims to "reconnect people with their roots" and reduce religious conflict. The campaign has sparked controversy, with some accusing families of converting their religion. The local police are investigating the situation and have deployed extra personnel in the area as a preventive measure.

A Father-Son's Pilgrimage To The Maha Kumbh

A Father-Son's Pilgrimage To The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'As I entered the water at the Sangam, my son held my hand, offering support.' 'It was a powerful moment of connection not only to the Divine but also to my son, reinforcing his role as a pillar of support in my life,' says Arun Khanna.

SC to hear plea against hijab verdict after Holi holidays

SC to hear plea against hijab verdict after Holi holidays

Rediff.com16 Mar 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to list for hearing after Holi vacation the pleas challenging the Karnataka high court verdict which dismissed the petitions seeking permission to wear hijab inside the classroom saying it is not a part of the essential religious practice in Islamic faith.

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025, billed as the world's largest gathering of humans, began on Monday with the first major bathing ritual or 'Shahi Snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. This edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, with the Uttar Pradesh government expecting over 35 crore devotees to visit. The event is being touted as a 'Digi-Kumbh' with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used for various aspects, including security and cleanliness. The Maha Kumbh will be held from January 13 to February 26, and is expected to transform the area into the world's largest temporary city. Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the event, attracting attention from those seeking to learn about Indian spiritual beliefs.

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Muslims need to work according to strategy and not fall into the trap of Opposition parties.'

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

When Hindus Greeted Muslims On Eid

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

'I am determined now to celebrate all festivals together.' 'People don't respond much when you try to convince them by talking about principles of secularism etc. But if we revive our shared cultural practices, specially food, we may get a better response.'

'Let's not talk about this nonsense': Nitish on loudspeaker row

'Let's not talk about this nonsense': Nitish on loudspeaker row

Rediff.com30 Apr 2022

We do not interfere in religious practices of any sort, the Bihar CM said.

Hijab ban: SC asks if right to practice religion can be taken to school

Hijab ban: SC asks if right to practice religion can be taken to school

Rediff.com5 Sep 2022

A person has a right to practise religion but the question is whether it can be taken to a school which has a prescribed uniform, the Supreme Court observed on Monday while hearing the Karnataka hijab ban row.

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Assam assembly will discontinue with the two-hour break provided on Fridays to facilitate Muslim legislators to offer 'namaaz', Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The rule will be implemented from the next session, an assembly official said.

Ansari sounds caution over 'imaginary practice of cultural nationalism'

Ansari sounds caution over 'imaginary practice of cultural nationalism'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

Former vice president Hamid Ansari and four US lawmakers have expressed concern over the current human rights situation in India. They were speaking at a virtual panel discussion organised by the Indian American Muslim Council on Wednesday.

Muslim cleric calls for Karnataka bandh on Thursday over hijab verdict

Muslim cleric calls for Karnataka bandh on Thursday over hijab verdict

Rediff.com16 Mar 2022

The Ameer-E-Shariat Karnataka, Maulana Sagir Ahmad Khan Rashadi, has called for a state-wide bandh on Thursday over the verdict of the high court ruling that the hijab was not essential to the practice of Islam.

Indians feel many religions can live, practice freely: Pew

Indians feel many religions can live, practice freely: Pew

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

"Indians see religious tolerance as a central part of who they are as a nation. Across the major religious groups, most people say it is very important to respect all religions to be 'truly Indian'.

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

What Courts Gave Stalin From One Hand Took Away With Another

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

In more than one way, it's a setback for the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin in political terms. The electoral fall-out, if any, will have to wait until the next summer, only when assembly elections are due in the state, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Aamir Khan should not hurt religious sentiments: MP's Narottam Mishra

Aamir Khan should not hurt religious sentiments: MP's Narottam Mishra

Rediff.com12 Oct 2022

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narottam Mishra on Wednesday said actor Aamir Khan should stay away from advertisements and acts which hurt religious sentiments after a bank commercial featuring Khan and actor Kiara Advani faced criticism from sections of netizens.