News for 'social justice'

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill, which also covers other national symbols, was passed amidst protests from opposition parties regarding the NEET paper leak. Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticised the opposition's stance, emphasising the song's historical significance and its role in national unity.

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Rediff.com1 days ago

Delhi Police has assured the arrest of Swatantra Bharadwaj within 72 hours, who is accused of assaulting student activist Nishu Azad's father during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The assurance follows a video where Bharadwaj admitted to the assault and claims of political connections, prompting demands for stronger charges and action against online abuse targeting Nishu.

How Free Is India Today?

How Free Is India Today?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As India's decline continued on global indices, the government first blamed methodology and then motives. This is where we remain today as we wish each other and ourselves a happy Independence Day, points out Aakar Patel.

Delhi HC: Parody, caricatures don't violate personality rights

Delhi HC: Parody, caricatures don't violate personality rights

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling on personality rights, cautioning against their broad application to suppress caricature or parody. The court granted interim protection to Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey against impersonation and commercial exploitation, specifically for sexually vulgar content and unlicensed monetisation, while emphasising that these rights should not stifle legitimate expression or information dissemination.

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A 37-year-old government contractor in Navi Mumbai died by suicide due to severe financial strain from unpaid bills for completed work. Opposition parties in Maharashtra have accused the state government of negligence, demanding a culpable homicide case against the administration and highlighting a pattern of such incidents among Marathi contractors.

Delhi Budget 2026-27 Focuses on Social Welfare, Launches 'Vayo Anand' Scheme

Delhi Budget 2026-27 Focuses on Social Welfare, Launches 'Vayo Anand' Scheme

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Delhi government's 2026-27 budget prioritises social welfare, introducing the 'Vayo Anand' scheme for senior citizens' recreational activities and constructing an integrated complex for children in juvenile reform homes.

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

SC quashes criminal cases against Samay Raina, 4 other comedians for disability remarks

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court of India has quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four others who faced charges for remarks about people with disabilities. The court lauded their subsequent efforts in organising events and raising awareness for specially-abled persons and those with rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

SC's high-powered panel to probe police excesses against NEET protesters

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has decided to form a high-powered committee, including retired judges and former top police officials, to investigate allegations of police excesses against student protesters in Delhi. The committee will examine video evidence and complaints, particularly from female protesters, and the court may quash FIRs against students without grave criminal antecedents, upholding the right to peaceful protest.

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

NLSIU students, alumni oppose CJI, BCI chief attending convocation

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Students and Alumni of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru have opposed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra attending the upcoming convocation of the varsity.

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Since he is 'forgiving'...: Sonia takes dig at Modi, hails Manmohan

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Following the Supreme Court's clean chit in the coal block allocation case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has lauded former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's integrity and accountability, drawing a sharp contrast with the Narendra Modi government's operational style and alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

Mumbai local train horror: Man assaults woman over seat

Mumbai local train horror: Man assaults woman over seat

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

A 36-year-old man, Mohammad Rizwan Ansari, was arrested within 12 hours after a video showing him assaulting a woman on a Mumbai suburban local train went viral. The incident, stemming from a seat argument, led to charges under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

India Demands Justice For Slain UN Peacekeeper In Lebanon Attack

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

India has strongly condemned an attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that resulted in the death of a Serbian Blue Helmet and injuries to two others. The nation has called for an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. This incident follows a series of attacks on UNIFIL personnel amidst escalating hostilities in the region, prompting global calls for peacekeeper safety.

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

HC orders takedown of 'vile, obscene' deepfakes against Gadkari

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered major social media platforms, including Meta, X Corp, and Google LLC, to immediately remove 'vile, abusive, obscene, and defamatory' deepfakes and AI-generated content targeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, emphasising the urgent need for online platforms to curb malicious digital content.

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

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

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

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.

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

No regular FIR against girl who abused Modi at Delhi protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Earlier, the girl issued an apology video on social media on Saturday saying she had been "influenced."

Chhattisgarh: Father rapes 16 year old daughter, forces abortion, sells newborn

Chhattisgarh: Father rapes 16 year old daughter, forces abortion, sells newborn

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

A minor girl in Raipur was allegedly repeatedly raped and impregnated by her father, who then arranged her delivery using forged documents and sold the newborn. Eight people, including the father, aunt, and nurses, have been arrested in connection with the horrific crime, which also involved a forced abortion.

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

CJP protest was hijacked by 'history-sheeters': Delhi Police to SC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Delhi Police has strongly defended its use of force during the 'Chalo Sansad' protest on July 20, telling the Supreme Court that the agitation was 'hijacked by anti-social elements and history-sheeters,' leading to law and order breakdown and over 240 police personnel injuries.

'My policeman dad was nearly lynched at Jantar Mantar'

'My policeman dad was nearly lynched at Jantar Mantar'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Families of Delhi Police personnel injured during the July 20 CJP-led 'Sansad Chalo' march are calling for a parliamentary discussion on the trauma and injuries suffered by officers, arguing that the public discourse has unfairly focused solely on allegations of police excesses.

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Delhi Congress will launch a 12-day 'Kalash Yatra' across 33 Purvanchal-dominated Assembly constituencies, carrying the ashes of slain delivery agent Pandav Kumar and demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for the deceased's family.

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

HC stays FSSAI ban on Dabur's '100%' claim products

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted a directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that prohibited Dabur India from marketing certain food products with "100 per cent" claims. The court cited a lack of hearing for Dabur before the FSSAI order was issued, granting prima facie relief to the company.

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Irritation, annoyance not cruelty, says HC, rejects divorce plea

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ruled that mere annoyance and normal disagreements do not amount to mental cruelty sufficient for divorce. The court stated that cruelty must be severe enough to make cohabitation unreasonable, and cannot be determined by isolated incidents. This ruling came as the court dismissed a man's divorce petition, upholding a family court's decision and ordering him to pay maintenance to his wife.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Exercise restrain, youngsters must be pacified: SC to forces

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has stressed the importance of law enforcement agencies exercising restraint during protests, advocating for the pacification and counselling of youngsters, even if some engage in stone-pelting, as it agreed to hear a plea regarding accountability for protest organisers.

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Jharkhand student leader begins hunger strike as CJP lends support to protest

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Students in Jharkhand are protesting alleged irregularities in various recruitment examinations, including JPSC and JSSC. A student leader has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding a federal probe and cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination. The Cockroach Janta Party has extended support, and a march to the Assembly is planned for August 7.

Delhi High Court shields Yuvraj Singh from unauthorised use of name, image, deepfakes

Delhi High Court shields Yuvraj Singh from unauthorised use of name, image, deepfakes

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting cricketer Yuvraj Singh's personality rights, restraining third parties from the unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and likeness, including the sale of merchandise and the creation of AI-generated or deepfake content.

Have You Met Dr Rani Mukerji?

Have You Met Dr Rani Mukerji?

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rani Mukerji is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Letters from La Trobe University at the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, acknowledging her profound impact on Indian cinema and dedicated humanitarian efforts.

Delhi High Court Safeguards Yuvraj Singh's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Delhi High Court Safeguards Yuvraj Singh's Personality Rights Against Misuse

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order protecting cricketer Yuvraj Singh's personality rights, restraining third parties from unauthorised use of his name, image, voice, and likeness for commercial gain or creating AI-generated and deepfake content. The court emphasised the need to protect public figures from reputational damage caused by fabricated online content.

Shivakumar lauds Siddaramaiah's service to Karnataka

Shivakumar lauds Siddaramaiah's service to Karnataka

Rediff.com29 May 2026

D K Shivakumar expresses gratitude and respect for Siddaramaiah's leadership as Chief Minister of Karnataka, highlighting his contributions to the state's growth and social fabric.

Dowry Deaths: Why Justice Is Still Elusive For Indian Women

Dowry Deaths: Why Justice Is Still Elusive For Indian Women

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A look into the tragic deaths of three young women in India, allegedly due to dowry-related harassment, highlights the persistent social and legal challenges in addressing this issue.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

FULL TEXT: President Murmu's address to the nation on eve of 80th I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

In her address to the nation on the eve of the country's 80th Independence Day, the president stressed that just as government and society remain united to ensure national security, everyone must contribute through joint and concerted efforts to safeguard the present and future of students.

Media can report on court proceedings, but no video clips: SC

Media can report on court proceedings, but no video clips: SC

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has clarified its interim order regarding the sharing of audio and video clips of court hearings, stating that it does not prevent news organisations from reporting on judicial proceedings. The court emphasised that while media outlets can report on legal developments, they are restricted from using audio or video recordings of the proceedings without prior permission. This clarification addresses confusion over a previous July 24 order.

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rajasthan govt restricts entry, photography in schools amid CJP campaign

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Rajasthan government has issued an order restricting the entry of outsiders into government schools and barring photography and videography without prior permission, a move that follows protests over poor conditions and an announced inspection by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Bengal CJP volunteer's father dies after attack, 8 held; BJP role denied

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party on Sunday demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged assault that led to the death of Janab Mafik, the father of CJP volunteer Shaik Abdul Hafeez, in West Bengal.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

EC unlawfully recognised Shinde faction: Sena-UBT tells SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Uddhav Thackeray faction has told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's decision to recognise the Eknath Shinde-led unit as the "real Shiv Sena" and grant it the 'bow-and-arrow' symbol was unlawful. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that a split in a legislature party cannot, by itself, amount to a split in the political party, challenging the very basis of the poll panel's jurisdiction and its disregard for the party's 2018 constitution.

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Should polygamy be declared unconstitutional?: SC asks govt

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates fundamental rights and creates legal asymmetry by exempting Muslim men from bigamy laws applicable to other citizens.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Cabinet passes resolution lauding Modi for 4,399-days record

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Union Cabinet applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record. Modi first took office in 2014, was re-elected in 2019, and began his third consecutive term in June 2024.