News for 'religious practices'

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Supreme Court Asserts Right to Decide Superstitious Practices, Govt Disagrees

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

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.com3 days ago

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.

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.com1 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the secular nature of the state does not prevent it from interfering with religious practices and attitudes when they impede development and the right to equality in the larger public interest. The court dismissed pleas challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution, which added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble, stating that Parliament's amending power extends to the Preamble as well.

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.

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

'No monthly untouchability': Justice Nagarathna in Sabarimala case

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com23 hours ago

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.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com2 days ago

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'.

No material produced to show hijab is essential religious practice: HC

No material produced to show hijab is essential religious practice: HC

Rediff.com15 Mar 2022

The Karnataka high court, which dismissed the batch of petitions by some Muslim girl students from Udupi seeking permission to wear the hijab inside classrooms, said there was no material placed on record to prima facie show that wearing the headscarf was an essential religious practice.

Devotees, not court, to decide religious practice: Justice Malhotra

Devotees, not court, to decide religious practice: Justice Malhotra

Rediff.com28 Sep 2018

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed women of all ages in the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala in Kerala. While Justices R F Nariman and D Y Chandrachud concurred with Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justice A M Khanwilkar on the ruling that banning the entry of women in the temple is gender discrimination and the practice violates the rights of Hindu women, Justice Indu Malhotra gave a dissenting verdict. Here are highlights of her judgment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

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.

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.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

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.

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar due to her alleged connections with a self-proclaimed numerologist, Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested for rape and exploitation.

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).

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.

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'No one can wipe-off our glorious collaboration in The Kerala Story and Bastar, from Indian cinema.' 'When we create history and are scrutiniSed in public, we must be extremely responsible in our behaviour and conduct.'

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Thousands of Naga students and citizens rallied in Kohima, Nagaland, opposing the central government's directive to mandate the singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions, citing concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in a second rape case where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman on multiple occasions since 2020 under the guise of religious rituals.

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.

Bombay High Court Slams FRRO for Obstructing US Citizen's Travel Despite Court Order

Bombay High Court Slams FRRO for Obstructing US Citizen's Travel Despite Court Order

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Bombay High Court has criticised the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for failing to process the exit permit of a US national facing religious conversion charges, despite a court order allowing him to travel.

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Fissures in MVA: After Sena-UBT, Cong claims RS seat

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra is facing internal conflict over the allocation of a winnable Rajya Sabha seat, with the Congress staking its claim against the Shiv Sena (UBT). Discussions are ongoing to reach a consensus before the nomination deadline.

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Scheduled Caste status only for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs, not converts, rules SC

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism cannot retain Scheduled Caste status, reinforcing existing constitutional provisions.

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Why We Must Listen To Lord Mahavir & His Timeless Principles

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The three principles he taught in particular -- Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha -- are as alive and necessary today as they were then. Perhaps more so.

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Don't Expect Too Much From Islamabad Summit

Rediff.com5 hours ago

The core issues to be settled -- access to Hormuz, Israel's aggression in Lebanon, the question of Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and compensation -- are thorny enough to require weeks of patient negotiation. The most likely outcome of the opening sessions is that both sides take the measure of each other, establish what is and is not negotiable, and return home without having broken anything. That would count as progress.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The complainant stated that Ranveer Singh, while present on stage and in the presence of the lead actor of Kantara: Chapter-1, allegedly performed acts that mocked and insulted the sacred Bhoota Kola tradition practiced in coastal Karnataka.

'Security alert' issued for Americans in Bangladesh

'Security alert' issued for Americans in Bangladesh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The United States on Friday issued a 'security alert' for its citizens in Bangladesh, asking them to remain vigilant and avoid crowds as political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites during the election period.