News for 'representation of the people act'

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Punjab police raid 1,274 immigration firms, 7 illegal travel agents held

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Punjab Police conducted raids and search operations at 1,274 immigration firms across the state to protect aspiring immigrants from falling prey to unscrupulous travel agents. The massive operation, carried out on the directions of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, was a response to the recent deportation of illegal Indian immigrants by the US. Many of the deportees from Punjab and Haryana have alleged they were duped by travel agents who promised legal entry to the US but instead used the "donkey route" - an illegal and risky pathway. Police have registered 24 FIRs against travel agents and arrested seven. The operation was conducted under the Punjab Travel Professionals' Regulation Act, 2012, which mandates travel agents to obtain a license, maintain records, and comply with other regulations. The police advised citizens to verify travel agents' credentials before entrusting them with documents and money.

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

India's $100 Bn Gambling Black Hole

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'The larger and more opaque this shadow economy becomes, especially online, the greater the risk to India's national security.'

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Social media post leads to bandh in J-K's Bhaderwah, internet shut

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Protests and a partial bandh were observed in the communally sensitive Bhaderwah town of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following an objectionable social media post allegedly put up by a leader of a Hindu group. The post drew resentment from members of both Hindu and Muslim communities, prompting authorities to suspend mobile internet services as a precautionary measure. An FIR has been registered against the accused, Virender Razdan, and raids are underway to nab him.

Cash-for-vote: BJP's Tawde, party candidate booked on eve of Maha polls

Cash-for-vote: BJP's Tawde, party candidate booked on eve of Maha polls

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Police in Maharashtra have registered two FIRs against BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde, party candidate Rajan Naik and others for allegedly distributing cash to voters at a hotel in Palghar ahead of the state assembly elections. A separate FIR was also registered against BJP and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi functionaries for allegedly attempting to hold a press conference, violating election code of conduct. The incidents occurred on the eve of the Maharashtra assembly polls, with allegations of cash distribution and attempts to influence voters.

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'...in the minds of the youth of Assam.' 'Now, no protests happen in Assam because of fear of police encounters.'

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Houses of mob attack accused demolished in Ahmedabad

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Authorities in Ahmedabad demolished the houses of six out of 14 accused arrested for attacking commuters and rioting in the city. The demolition followed a mob attack on Thursday night in which three people were injured and several vehicles were damaged. The police are taking action against "anti-social elements" in the city, including preparing a list of repeat offenders and taking action against illegal constructions and encroachments.

Delhi HC junks plea to disqualify Modi from contesting polls

Delhi HC junks plea to disqualify Modi from contesting polls

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

A petition had sought Modi's disqualification from contesting polls for allegedly seeking votes in the name of deities.

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

New bill proposes 7-year jail, Rs 10L fine for forged passports in India

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

India is proposing a new law that would impose a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh on anyone found using a forged passport or visa to enter, stay, or exit the country. The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, also mandates reporting of foreign visitors by hotels, universities, and hospitals to track overstaying individuals. The bill aims to simplify laws, ease business, and strengthen national security while promoting economic growth and tourism.

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a "dark chapter in federalism" and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

7 arrested for selling women patient's CCTV videos

7 arrested for selling women patient's CCTV videos

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The police arrested six persons including a hacker named Parit Dhamelia from Surat and owner of a YouTube channel Prajwal Taily, a resident of Latur, Maharashtra.

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Kerala shocker: Police tell Dalit woman to drink water from toilet

Rediff.com20 May 2025

Her claims of being detained overnight at the police station without food or sleep and being asked to drink toilet water by police personnel have sparked widespread outrage.

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila are experiencing anxiety over their visa status despite government clarifications regarding Long Term Visas (LTVs). The government's decision to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, has left many refugees worried about their future. While LTVs for Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid, the renewal process every two years and ongoing citizenship applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, have fueled concerns. The Delhi Police has initiated a verification drive, adding to the unease among the refugees, who fear being uprooted yet again. The article highlights the plight of these refugees, who have fled Pakistan seeking a better life in India, and the uncertainties they face in the current political climate.

SC rejects plea to bar Modi from elections for poll code breach

SC rejects plea to bar Modi from elections for poll code breach

Rediff.com14 May 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking to bar Prime Minister Narendra Modi from elections for allegedly making hate speeches and violating the Model Code of Conduct during campaigning.

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Caste census decision exposes...: BJP

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday said the Centre's decision to include caste enumeration in the next census has exposed the difference between the Modi government's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the Congress.

Man poisons wedding feast as niece marries against his wishes

Man poisons wedding feast as niece marries against his wishes

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

A man allegedly gate-crashed his niece's wedding reception in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district and mixed poison in the food prepared for guests as he was against her marriage, police said on Wednesday.

Can Kejriwal run Delhi govt as CM from jail? What experts say

Can Kejriwal run Delhi govt as CM from jail? What experts say

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

'There is no bar in law on a person continuing as chief minister once arrested'

'Kashmir had turned peaceful, therefore this attack took place'

'Kashmir had turned peaceful, therefore this attack took place'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'We in Kashmir will ensure that this kind of incident does not happen again.'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

Investing In Property? Read This

Investing In Property? Read This

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Buying makes sense for those planning to stay in a city for at least 7 to 10 years. Financial preparedness is crucial.

EC may not hold early polls in Delhi: Experts

EC may not hold early polls in Delhi: Experts

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

As Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pitches for early assembly polls in Delhi, experts on Sunday said the city government may have to write to the Election Commission giving reasons behind the demand. The term of the Delhi assembly ends on February 23 next year and the polls are expected to be held sometime early February.

Pakistan Helped US Nab This Terrorist

Pakistan Helped US Nab This Terrorist

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is an ISIS-K member and was directly responsible for the killing of 13 US soldiers and roughly 170 Afghans at the Hamid Karzai international airport's 'Abbey Gate' on August 26, 2021.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

Congress spokesperson booked for hate speech in Kerala

Congress spokesperson booked for hate speech in Kerala

Rediff.com18 Apr 2024

The poll panel received the complaint from a native of Thiruvananthapuram, they said.

Two held in Kerala for attempting to sabotage train

Two held in Kerala for attempting to sabotage train

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Two men were arrested in Kerala for allegedly placing a telephone post across a railway track, endangering the lives of passengers. The accused, Rajesh and Arun, were taken into custody and confessed to placing the post on the tracks, but the police are still investigating a possible sabotage angle. The incident occurred on the Kollam-Shenkotta route, and the accused have a criminal track record, with one involved in 11 criminal cases and the other in five cases. The police are investigating whether more people were involved in the incident.

Smile, Nod, Suffer: Are You Too Nice At Work?

Smile, Nod, Suffer: Are You Too Nice At Work?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Organisations that reward constant optimism and penalise negativity create environments where employees feel pressured to hide their struggles, notes Sonica Aron, founder of HR consultancy firm Marching Sheep.

EC asks CBDT to verify Rajeev Chandrasekhar's poll affidavit

EC asks CBDT to verify Rajeev Chandrasekhar's poll affidavit

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

The Congress had moved the poll panel claiming a mismatch in actual and declared assets in the affidavit filed by Chandrasekhar, who is in the fray against former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor.

Saif's Rs 15,000 crore property inheritance in limbo

Saif's Rs 15,000 crore property inheritance in limbo

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The fate of properties worth Rs 15,000 crore inherited by actor Saif Ali Khan and his family from Bhopal's erstwhile rulers hangs in the balance due to uncertainty over filing an appeal against an order of the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property. If an appeal is not filed by the Bhopal Nawab's successors, the properties could fall under the Centre's control, lawyers have said. The matter stems from a 2015 ruling that declared the Bhopal Nawab's property "Enemy Property" due to the eldest daughter, Abida Sultan Begum, migrating to Pakistan after the Partition. However, a 1962 order recognized Sajida Sultan Begum, the second daughter, as the sole successor to the properties after the death of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. The dispute is currently with the Mumbai-based Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property, following a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that directed the filing of a representation within 30 days. The high court's order also raised the issue of limitation as the appeal was filed after a significant period. The properties include Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace and Flag Staff House. The Enemy Property Act was passed in 1968 to regulate properties left behind in India by those who emigrated to Pakistan.

3rd attack in US on New Year's Day, mass shooting outside NYC club

3rd attack in US on New Year's Day, mass shooting outside NYC club

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

At least 10 people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens on Wednesday night, according to the New York City Police Department, the New York Post reported on Thursday.

Odisha college girl blackmailed by boyfriend, gang-raped for days

Odisha college girl blackmailed by boyfriend, gang-raped for days

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Six people, including a minor, were arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student for several days and videographing the act in Odisha's Cuttack district, police said on Friday.

Language row: Maha, K'taka suspend bus services after attacks

Language row: Maha, K'taka suspend bus services after attacks

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra have been suspended following attacks on buses and their crew. The decision was taken given the tension prevailing in the border district of Belagavi over a sensitive issue. The language row began after a group of people allegedly intercepted a KSRTC bus and assaulted its conductor and driver for not speaking to a passenger in Marathi. The passenger, a minor girl, also filed a complaint stating that the conductor misbehaved with her. However, the family of the minor girl has decided to withdraw the case and urged people to stop escalating the matter into a language dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Pak train hijack: 13 Baloch rebels killed, 80 passengers rescued

Pak train hijack: 13 Baloch rebels killed, 80 passengers rescued

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Insurgents opened fire on a passenger train in Pakistan's Balochistan province, injuring the driver and prompting security guards aboard the train to fire back. The attack occurred in the Bolan district on the Jaffar Express from Quetta to Peshawar. The train was stopped by armed men in Tunnel No 8, and efforts are being made to contact the passengers and staff. The Balochistan government has ordered emergency measures and all institutions remain active.

Palaniswami meets Amit Shah; doesn't rule out BJP tie-up for TN polls

Palaniswami meets Amit Shah; doesn't rule out BJP tie-up for TN polls

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has asserted that alliances are formed only at the time of elections and declined to categorically say if his party would align with the BJP for the 2026 Assembly polls. Palaniswami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday and brought to his attention several issues faced by Tamil Nadu, including the need for funds release, the implementation of the Godavari-Cauvery river linking plan, and a probe into the "TASMAC scam." He said that while the party would decide on an alliance at the time of the election, he did not rule out a tie-up with the BJP.

PIL seeks disqualification of all 99 Cong MPs for financial guarantees

PIL seeks disqualification of all 99 Cong MPs for financial guarantees

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

According to the PIL, the 'Ghar Ghar Guarantee Scheme' involves the distribution of guarantee cards that promise various financial and material benefits in exchange of votes.

Hyderabad woman dies after eating momos, over 40 fall ill

Hyderabad woman dies after eating momos, over 40 fall ill

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Six people were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the death of a woman and hospitalisation of over 40 others after allegedly eating momos in Hyderabad, police said.

Shimla police bust 500-member online drug trafficking network

Shimla police bust 500-member online drug trafficking network

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

An extensive drug trafficking network operating throughout north India, with a particular focus on Shimla, has been busted following the arrest of two individuals - one from Kolkata and one from Delhi. The syndicate used online platforms for booking drugs, misusing innocent people's accounts and delivering drugs through couriers. Police have frozen 21 accounts associated with the network and arrested 16 individuals, including the kingpin, Sandeep Shah.

Israeli tourist among 2 women gang-raped near Hampi, male friend killed

Israeli tourist among 2 women gang-raped near Hampi, male friend killed

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Two women, including a 27-year-old Israeli tourist, were allegedly gang-raped while stargazing on the banks of Sanapur Lake near Hampi, police said on Saturday.

Why These Kids Can't Get School Admission

Why These Kids Can't Get School Admission

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

'Our Constitution as well as the Right to Education Act do not make any distinction between Indian or foreigner; it only talks about 'child'.' 'It says that every child has the right to get education.'

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Election Commission has said it will allow suspected fake voters to cast their ballots in the Palakkad assembly by-poll, but will take action against them later. The CPI(M), Congress, and BJP have accused each other of enrolling fake voters. The by-poll is scheduled for November 20.

Camera in girls' washroom? College principal, chairman booked

Camera in girls' washroom? College principal, chairman booked

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Two persons were arrested for alleged voyeurism after some female students at a private engineering college in Medchal, near Hyderabad, accused the cooking staff of recording them in the hostel washrooms, police said on Sunday.

Australia Visa Changes: What Indian Students Must Know

Australia Visa Changes: What Indian Students Must Know

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Australia's new student visa rules focuses on stricter eligibility, higher financial and English language requirements among others.