News for 'religious places'

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has directed police to take strict action against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible sound limits at religious places and events across the state.

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.

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.

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.

Man Accused Of Religious Conversion Assaulted, Arrested In Alwar

Man Accused Of Religious Conversion Assaulted, Arrested In Alwar

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A man in Alwar, Rajasthan, accused of religious conversion activities, was arrested after being allegedly assaulted by members of a right-wing organisation. Police are investigating both the alleged conversion and the assault, with religious literature and a video of the incident being examined as evidence.

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.

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.

Wipro issues statement, says zero tolerance for religious harassment

Wipro issues statement, says zero tolerance for religious harassment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Wipro Technologies has issued a statement affirming its commitment to employee welfare and a safe workplace, stating it is fully cooperating with authorities regarding allegations of religious harassment, workplace discrimination, and forced resignation made by a former woman employee in Pune.

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.

Woman Alleges Harassment, Religious Deceit By Husband

Woman Alleges Harassment, Religious Deceit By Husband

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A 27-year-old woman has accused her husband and in-laws of physical, mental, and sexual harassment, alleging religious deceit and torture in Maharashtra and Bihar.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Hapur Arrests: Gangster Network Operatives Shared Religious Site Details

Hapur Arrests: Gangster Network Operatives Shared Religious Site Details

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Two men have been arrested in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly sharing photos and location details of religious sites with a Pakistan-based gangster network, raising concerns of a potential terror plot.

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Threat email triggers terror alert across Delhi, Uttarakhand

Rediff.com2 days ago

Intelligence agencies have issued a security alert for Delhi and Uttarakhand due to a possible terror threat, prompted by an email warning of attacks. Key religious sites, government establishments, and police installations are under heightened surveillance. The alert follows incidents involving Nihang Sikhs in Uttarakhand, though the email's authenticity is under investigation.

Bhopal Religious Violence: Arrests Made After Assault

Bhopal Religious Violence: Arrests Made After Assault

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Police in Bhopal have arrested two individuals, including a juvenile, in connection with the assault on a Muslim man who was found with a woman from another community. The incident sparked protests and stone-pelting, leading to further police intervention.

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Throwing non-veg food waste in Ganga could hurt religious sentiments: HC on iftar party row

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has observed that throwing non-vegetarian food waste into the river Ganga could hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, while granting bail to five persons accused of throwing leftovers into the river during an iftar party on a boat in Varanasi.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

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.

Akal Takht gives Punjab govt one month to address anti-sacrilege law objections

Akal Takht gives Punjab govt one month to address anti-sacrilege law objections

Rediff.com1 days ago

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has given the Punjab government one month to address objections regarding the anti-sacrilege law, the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which he claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth and interferes in religious affairs.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

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

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Rediff.com3 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to enact a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He linked these measures to strengthening national security and preserving Bengal's cultural identity, citing concerns over infiltration and demographic changes. Adhikari also highlighted efforts in border security, distinguished between illegal immigrants and CAA refugees, and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to list for final hearing the pleas challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com2 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

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.

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.

Thane Court Acquits Three In 2015 Trafficking Case

Thane Court Acquits Three In 2015 Trafficking Case

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A special court in Thane acquitted three individuals in a 2015 human trafficking case due to the prosecution's failure to examine the minor victim, who was allegedly forced into prostitution.

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.

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.

UP Cong chief claims house arrest ahead of Ram Temple visit

UP Cong chief claims house arrest ahead of Ram Temple visit

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai claims he was placed under "house arrest" in Ayodhya to prevent him from visiting the Ram temple amidst an ongoing controversy over alleged embezzlement of donations. Other Congress delegation members were also reportedly stopped or detained, sparking protests and further political debate.

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.

World Cup Pride Match: FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags Amidst Controversy

World Cup Pride Match: FIFA Allows Rainbow Flags Amidst Controversy

Rediff.com4 days ago

FIFA has confirmed that rainbow flags will be permitted at the World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend. This decision comes despite objections from Egypt and Iran, where homosexuality is criminalised, and FIFA's attempt to distance itself from the "Pride Match" designation, stating it's a local initiative.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

Amritpal Singh hiding at a religious place? Punjab DGP says...

Amritpal Singh hiding at a religious place? Punjab DGP says...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2023

'Whosoever mischievous elements, who have the support of ISI, and are trying to disturb peace in Punjab, their designs will not be allowed to succeed'

46,000 unauthorised loudspeakers removed from UP religious places

46,000 unauthorised loudspeakers removed from UP religious places

Rediff.com30 Apr 2022

The action followed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directions during his last week's review meeting on law and order with senior officials.

Rajasthan Police To Combat Child Labour, Trafficking

Rajasthan Police To Combat Child Labour, Trafficking

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajasthan Police will launch a month-long special campaign against child labour, bonded child labour, and human trafficking from June 1. The campaign, titled "Umang-7", will continue till June 30 across the state.

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly refuted the 'Guru Dokhi' edict issued by the Sikh clergy, asserting that the controversial video at the heart of the dispute is not him and accusing religious bodies of political manipulation.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com3 days ago

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

This marks a significant step towards legally safeguarding the cultural and spiritual identity of one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage centres.

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Ladakh relaxes liquor curbs, extends sales to 4 more districts

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday approved a new Excise Policy, permitting the sale of hard liquor through retail vends, reducing documents to obtain a licence from 16 to six and extending the liquor availability to four more districts.

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.

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A video showing a group of saffron-clad men assaulting a young couple in a public park in Ayodhya has gone viral, leading police to launch an investigation. The attackers allegedly claimed the couple was 'desecrating' the temple town's religious character.