News for 'religious discrimination'

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

SC 9-judge bench hears pleas against women's discrimination in religious places

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has commenced hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom across faiths.

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has reserved its order on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom.

Religious institutions need structure, cannot have anarchy: SC

Religious institutions need structure, cannot have anarchy: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has stated that religious institutions must have structure and norms for their functioning, emphasising that the right to manage a religious institution does not imply an absence of order.

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Court cannot judge religious beliefs, Sabarimala board tells SC

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), managing the Sabarimala temple, argued in the Supreme Court that religious beliefs should be judged subjectively by the community, as the court hears petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places.

BJP MLA: 'No religious discrimination in Karnataka'

BJP MLA: 'No religious discrimination in Karnataka'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

'The state government does not believe in disallowing non-Hindus to do business outside Hindu temples.'

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.

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A woman engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has alleged harassment and religious coercion, including derogatory slurs and inappropriate touching. Police have arrested eight people and are searching for another accused. TCS has launched an internal probe and suspended employees allegedly involved.

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.

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.

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has voiced concerns about the potential consequences of individuals questioning religious practices in constitutional courts, warning it could lead to the fragmentation of religions and civilisation. A nine-judge Constitution bench is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places and the scope of religious freedom.

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

2018 Sabarimala verdict assumed 'men superior': Centre backs curbs on women's entry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Centre has supported the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple, arguing that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgement assumes male superiority.

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

'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.

'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.

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP Of Being 'Anti-Women'

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP Of Being 'Anti-Women'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government's record on women's safety, alleging increased crimes and discrimination.

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has asserted its jurisdiction to determine what constitutes a superstitious practice within a religion, during a hearing on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites.

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Sabarimala case: SC questions maintainability of pleas by non-devotees

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India questioned the Centre regarding the eligibility of non-devotees to challenge the customs of the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, during a hearing on religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites.

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.

Nashik TCS case: Accused claims victim had 'one-sided feelings'

Nashik TCS case: Accused claims victim had 'one-sided feelings'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

An accused in the TCS Nashik sexual harassment case has filed for bail, claiming the complaint arose from the victim's frustration over unrequited feelings or parental pressure. He denies making remarks that hurt religious sentiments.

SC to examine if Parsi women lose faith rights after interfaith marriage

SC to examine if Parsi women lose faith rights after interfaith marriage

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a constitutional challenge regarding gender discrimination within Parsi personal law, specifically focusing on whether a Parsi woman loses her religious identity upon marrying outside the community.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The BJP has defended its leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam newspaper, Deepika, alleging it was favouring the UDF ahead of Kerala's Assembly elections. The party claims it respects all religions and aims for equal treatment.

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.

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

'Those who abuse Modi...': BJP leader refuses blankets to Muslim woman

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is facing accusations of religious discrimination after allegedly insulting a Muslim woman and taking back a blanket during a distribution event.

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.

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

BJP Defends Shone George's Criticism of Kerala Media House

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

BJP state general secretary S Suresh defends party leader Shone George's criticism of a Malayalam daily, Deepika, alleging its misuse for political interests ahead of the Kerala Assembly polls. The BJP maintains it respects all religions and aims for equal justice, denying any communal stance.

Hindu parents pull out wards after row over tilak at UK school

Hindu parents pull out wards after row over tilak at UK school

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

A primary school in London is accused of religious discrimination after a pupil was allegedly challenged for wearing a tilak. The school denies the allegations, citing its inclusive environment and existing policy.

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Great Mothers Who Shaped Famous Indians

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Who were the mothers who shaped Mahatma Gandhi, Sachin Tendulkar, Narendra Modi and other well-known Indians?

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'.

TCS case: Kin of accused alleges 'office politics' behind harassment case

TCS case: Kin of accused alleges 'office politics' behind harassment case

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The family of a TCS employee arrested in connection with sexual harassment and conversion allegations at a Nashik unit claims he is a victim of internal professional rivalry and office politics. They allege a coordinated conspiracy driven by his academic and professional success.

Govt will not tolerate religious discrimination: Rajnath

Govt will not tolerate religious discrimination: Rajnath

Rediff.com5 Feb 2015

There must be no discrimination on basis of religion, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Corporate India's Conduct Conundrum: Bridging Policy and Practice

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Recent controversies at major IT firms like TCS and Infosys have highlighted a persistent gap between workplace conduct policies and their implementation in corporate India. While companies assert zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, employees and experts point to uneven enforcement and the need to embed ethical behaviour into organisational culture.

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

US report calls for 'targeted sanctions' against R&AW, RSS

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A US federal government commission has raised concerns about the state of religious freedom in India, recommending its designation as a 'Country of Particular Concern' and suggesting targeted sanctions.

Bengaluru: Students forced to remove sacred thread during CET; probe ordered

Bengaluru: Students forced to remove sacred thread during CET; probe ordered

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted in Bengaluru after five Brahmin students were allegedly forced to remove their sacred thread at Krupanidhi College during the Common Entrance Test (CET). Students claim invigilators demanded the removal of the sacred thread despite previous government assurances that it would not be required.