News for 'religious practices'

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Religious Division and Unfulfilled Promises

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP over the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the delay in recognising the Kurmali language, accusing the party of dividing people and making false promises.

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Rediff.com4 days ago

The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Can non-believer from North India claim right of entry to Sabarimala, asks SC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

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.

Far-Right UK Party Leader's Anti-Immigration Stance Causes Uproar

Far-Right UK Party Leader's Anti-Immigration Stance Causes Uproar

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Rupert Lowe, leader of the far-right Restore Britain party in the UK, has sparked controversy with anti-immigration posts targeting Indian and Pakistani immigrants, leading to a social media backlash and raising concerns ahead of a crucial by-election.

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Nida Khan forced ST victim to wear burqa, adopt Muslim name: Prosecution

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Monday fixed May 2 for giving its verdict on the anticipatory bail plea filed by TCS employee Nida Khan, an accused in a case related to alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at the IT firm's local unit.

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A local court in Nashik has deferred a decision on interim protection from arrest for Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, requesting a police response by April 27. The SIT is investigating multiple cases of molestation and harassment at TCS's Nashik unit.

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal".

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Devotees entered the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district on Saturday to offer prayers after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site.

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan, a key accused in the sexual harassment and religious coercion probe at a Tata Consultancy Services unit. The court has directed the Nashik Police and the complainant to file their formal responses to her anticipatory bail application.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Why India-China Border Dispute Remains Unresolved

Why India-China Border Dispute Remains Unresolved

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

While tensions have eased at several friction points and mechanisms for managing the boundary have been reactivated, underlying differences persist. Disputes over naming practices in Arunachal Pradesh, continued infrastructure development on both sides, and unresolved questions regarding patrolling rights indicate that the structural gap remains, notes Dr Kumar.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.

Attacker who stabbed YouTuber Salim Wastik killed in encounter

Attacker who stabbed YouTuber Salim Wastik killed in encounter

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An accused wanted in connection with the alleged stabbing of a YouTuber died after being injured in an encounter with the police in the Loni area of Ghaziabad.

Bharathiraja's 10 Tamil Classics

Bharathiraja's 10 Tamil Classics

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja has passed away at 84, leaving an indelible mark on Tamil cinema with masterpieces like 16 Vayathinile, Oru Kaidhiyin Diary and Karuththamma, among others.

Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam Review: Very Funny Sequel

Bharathanatyam 2 Mohiniyattam Review: Very Funny Sequel

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Bharathanatyam 2: Mohiniyattam emerges as a surprisingly superior sequel, boldly transitioning from a slice-of-life narrative to a dark comedy crime-thriller, observes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Accused in YouTuber Stabbing Case Dies in Police Encounter in Ghaziabad

Accused in YouTuber Stabbing Case Dies in Police Encounter in Ghaziabad

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An accused wanted in connection with the alleged stabbing of a YouTuber died after being injured in an encounter with the police in the Loni area of Ghaziabad, officials said.

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Amid calls from sections of the Muslim community that cow should be declared a national animal, a look at the Constituent Assembly debates shows that two Muslim members had sought an unambiguous spelling out of the state's stance on cow slaughter, with one of them even calling for prohibiting it as part of fundamental rights.

UN report flags forced conversions of Hindu, Christian women in Pakistan

UN report flags forced conversions of Hindu, Christian women in Pakistan

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

UN experts have voiced serious concerns regarding the ongoing abduction and forced religious conversion through marriage of women and girls from minority communities in Pakistan, highlighting that impunity is fuelling the practice.

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women in religions, including the Sabarimala Temple case, starting April 7.

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Amid a debate triggered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent remarks on offering namaz in public places, several Muslim clerics have said that Eid-ul-Azha prayers would be offered inside mosques and Eidgahs as in previous years, and, if required, arrangements could be made for multiple prayer shifts.

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has advocated for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST), citing Ujjain's historical significance as a centre for time calculation and astronomy.

Nashik TCS officer denied bail over inaction on sexual harassment complaint

Nashik TCS officer denied bail over inaction on sexual harassment complaint

Rediff.com17 May 2026

A Nashik court has denied bail to a TCS site head, Ashwini Chainani, in a sexual harassment and conversion case, citing her failure to act on the victim's complaints. The court also rejected bail for other accused individuals in the case.

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

A video of Sattar's visit to the Shiva temple in Rahimabad in his assembly constituency Sillod on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday went viral on social media, triggering protests from the BJP and other outfits.

YouTuber Stabbed in Ghaziabad, CM Orders Action

YouTuber Stabbed in Ghaziabad, CM Orders Action

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

A YouTuber known for controversial videos was stabbed in Ghaziabad, leading to a police investigation and orders for strict action from the Chief Minister.

TCS Nashik Unit Faces Scrutiny Over Harassment Claims

TCS Nashik Unit Faces Scrutiny Over Harassment Claims

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a fact-finding report to the Maharashtra government, revealing pervasive sexual harassment, systemic bullying, and zero compliance with the POSH Act at the Nashik unit of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The report details a toxic workplace environment and recommends strict action and compliance with the POSH Act.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

UP priest expelled for eating non-veg food after photo goes viral

UP priest expelled for eating non-veg food after photo goes viral

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

A priest in Kanpur, India, has been expelled from his temple duties by his father, the 'mahant', after a photograph allegedly showing him eating non-vegetarian food went viral on social media. The priest's whereabouts are currently unknown.

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Centre urges SC to reconsider adultery and same-sex relationship verdicts

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its judgements decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, arguing they were based on a subjective application of 'constitutional morality'.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Why Our Military Leaders Must Be Diligent

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The armed forces of India will be wise to remember that its public interface needs to be tempered with discretion, maturity and example, keeping in mind the nation's multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric which is its greatest strength but which can also become its biggest fault-line, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Time has come for Uniform Civil Code, but best left to legislature: SC

Time has come for Uniform Civil Code, but best left to legislature: SC

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stated that the time has come for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), while hearing a plea challenging the Shariat law of 1937. The court suggested that the legislature should address the issue of discrimination against Muslim women.

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has upheld a Madras High Court decision prohibiting animal sacrifice and granting limited prayer rights to Muslim devotees on the Thiruparankundram hills in Tamil Nadu.

Key Lashkar figure and Hafiz Saeed aide Yousaf Afridi shot dead in Pakistan

Key Lashkar figure and Hafiz Saeed aide Yousaf Afridi shot dead in Pakistan

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sheikh Yousaf Afridi, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba figure and close associate of Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said.

Key LeT Figure Yousaf Afridi Killed In Pakistan

Key LeT Figure Yousaf Afridi Killed In Pakistan

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Sheikh Yousaf Afridi, a key Lashkar-e-Taiba figure and a close associate of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said.

HC says no to drivers' plea for namaaz near Mumbai airport

HC says no to drivers' plea for namaaz near Mumbai airport

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Bombay high court has refused to grant relief to taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers seeking to offer namaaz near the Mumbai airport, citing security concerns.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Police Arrest 16 in Shillong Prostitution Crackdown

Police Arrest 16 in Shillong Prostitution Crackdown

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Police in Shillong arrested 16 people during a crackdown on prostitution activities following complaints from citizens and local stakeholders.