News for 'religious respect'

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

SC backs creativity, okays animated Lord Jagannath film

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed the Odisha government's plea to modify an order allowing the release of the animated film "Mahaprabhu Jagannath". The court emphasised that creativity, art, and culture should not be curtailed due to sensitivities regarding deity depictions, especially for children's animation.

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Pak cleric declares cryptocurrency 'haram', issues fatwa

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

A prominent Pakistani Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, has issued a fatwa declaring cryptocurrency trading "haram" under Islamic law. This ruling, which covers various digital assets including Bitcoin and stablecoins, states that they do not meet the Islamic definition of wealth, potentially impacting crypto adoption despite the government's efforts to regulate and promote the sector.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

'Not in NDA': NCPI MP Taher clarifies why he joined Modi for breakfast

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Nationalist Citizens Party of India leader Abu Taher attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NDA allies but asserted that his party is not part of the ruling alliance. He stated his attendance was solely to raise public issues directly with the Prime Minister.

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Can A Couple With Different Political Views Have A Healthy Relationship?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

With political divisions dominating conversations, can couples with opposing views stay together?

Red Fort blast: 7 months later, court allows cremation of victims

Red Fort blast: 7 months later, court allows cremation of victims

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A Delhi court has granted permission to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) to cremate or dispose of the remains of 11 victims and the suicide bomber from the Red Fort car bomb explosion last November. The court emphasised dignified disposal respecting religious beliefs and sought a compliance report.

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Review: Delightful Romcom

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit Review: Delightful Romcom

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bethlehem Kudumba Unit offers a delightful and charming cinematic experience, blending trademark humour with a sweet, unconventional love story, gushes Sreeju Sudhakaran.

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jharkhand students are protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities with creative and non-violent methods, including mock job "rate cards," satirical posters, and recitations from the Mahabharata. Their agitation, spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, focuses on demanding reforms, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe, while adhering to a strict code of conduct against abusive language.

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The chapter, State and Society up to 1000 CE, says the Vedic period is 'often described as a period during which women held a high and respectful position in society'.

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

In a heartwarming act of compassion, Irfana Iqbal, a Muslim panchayat member in Kasaragod, Kerala, performed the last rites of an abandoned Hindu man, Narayanan, according to his customs after his family refused to claim his body. Her selfless act, driven by the belief that humanity transcends religion, has garnered widespread appreciation.

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Why Congress decided to sing only 2 stanzas of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Vande Mataram, the national song that has stirred passions and political controversies for more than a century, received legal protection on Thursday with Parliament passing a bill making any insult to it a punishable offence, rekindling the long-running debate over its place in India's history and identity.

Paresh Rawal: Modi Never Does Hindu-Muslim Politics

Paresh Rawal: Modi Never Does Hindu-Muslim Politics

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Paresh Rawal has robustly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismissing claims of divisive politics and asserting that Modi 'never does Hindu-Muslim politics.

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

'Within framework of law': Nagpur top cop defends RSS event speech

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Nagpur Commissioner of Police Vishwas Nangare Patil has addressed the controversy surrounding an old video where he appeared to praise the RSS. He asserted that his remarks at the event were within legal frameworks and did not violate service rules, emphasising his commitment to the Constitution and respect for all communities. The controversy arose after the Maharashtra Congress and MNS chief Raj Thackeray criticised his speech, questioning his neutrality.

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Union minister Margherita, Bihar guv attend Khamenei's funeral ceremony

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A high-level Indian delegation, including Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, paid tributes to the assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, conveying India's condolences.

Jab We Met Or Main Vaapas Aaunga: Which Imtiaz Ali Film Was Better?

Jab We Met Or Main Vaapas Aaunga: Which Imtiaz Ali Film Was Better?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

With Main Vaapas Aaunga as his latest release, we rank Imtiaz Ali's romantic dramas from his underrated debut in Socha Na Tha to his most recent offering of love and longing.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

Declare cow as national animal, ban its slaughter: Ajmer Sharif cleric

Declare cow as national animal, ban its slaughter: Ajmer Sharif cleric

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Ajmer Sharif cleric Syed Sarwar Chishti has urged the Centre to declare the cow as the national animal and impose a nationwide ban on its slaughter and sale for sacrifice.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Iran, Egypt face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A first World Cup win for seven-times African champions Egypt, 92 years after their debut, put them in charge though Iran's dogged performances in draws with Belgium and New Zealand means victory could also see them top Group G.

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.

'Boycott Mann' posters surface across Punjab after Akal Takht edict

'Boycott Mann' posters surface across Punjab after Akal Takht edict

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Hoardings calling for the social boycott of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have surfaced at several places including Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Bathinda and Amritsar in the state.

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led camp, alleging a larger political conspiracy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the Ram Mandir issue and systematically sidelining its own state leaders, while also questioning the rebel MPs' motives and wealth.

Prominent Cleric Killed In Targeted Attack In Pakistan

Prominent Cleric Killed In Targeted Attack In Pakistan

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incident occurred in the Utmanzai area of Charsadda district, also injuring two security guards. The killing has sparked protests, with demonstrators demanding the arrest of those responsible.

Nashik Court Extends Custody Of TCS Employees In Conversion Case

Nashik Court Extends Custody Of TCS Employees In Conversion Case

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has extended the police custody of four TCS employees until May 2 in connection with the alleged religious conversion of a male colleague. The accused are also facing accusations of sexual harassment from female colleagues.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Members of the Muslim community in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district said they would offer their first Friday namaz at home and wear black bands after the court setback in the Bhojshala case.

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

'I am also a Shabari': Indira Jaising tells SC in Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Shabari story in the Ramayana found mention before a nine-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday while hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

Why Was Prominent Cleric Assassinated In Pakistan?

Why Was Prominent Cleric Assassinated In Pakistan?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination has sparked protests and condemnation from political leaders.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Police Investigate Fireworks Display Near Kedarnath Temple

Police Investigate Fireworks Display Near Kedarnath Temple

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Police have registered a case against unidentified individuals for allegedly setting off fireworks near the Kedarnath temple and sharing the video on social media. This action follows several incidents of controversial videos being filmed at the shrine since the Kedarnath Yatra began.

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.

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.

Three church leaders killed in suspected militant attack in Manipur

Three church leaders killed in suspected militant attack in Manipur

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Three people were killed and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association returning from a religious gathering. The Chief Minister has condemned the violence and assured support for the injured.

Don't sacrifice prohibited animals, avoid sharing slaughter pix on social media: Jamiat chief

Don't sacrifice prohibited animals, avoid sharing slaughter pix on social media: Jamiat chief

Rediff.com26 May 2026

In his message to Muslims, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani said a person on whom sacrifice is obligatory must perform this obligation. He said that in view of the current situation, it is important that Muslims take precautionary measures on their own.

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar over his alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the state. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar addressing an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

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".

NCW orders TCS to form PoSH panels in all its units after harassment case

NCW orders TCS to form PoSH panels in all its units after harassment case

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has directed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to establish separate internal committees in all its 127 units with 10 or more employees within four weeks to strengthen compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, following concerns raised in the TCS Nashik case.

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed around the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the first Friday since the high court declared it a Vagdevi temple.