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Religious Controversy

Ruling on FIR that MF Husain's paintings 'hurt religious sentiments' today

A Delhi court is likely to decide today whether or not to direct an FIR after a plea alleged two paintings of late artist and Padma awardee M F Husain hurt religious sentiments. Judicial magistrate first class Sahil Monga had on January 20 ordered the seizure of the paintings displayed at an art gallery in the national capital and reserved the order on FIR after hearing arguments. The paintings feature Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesh. During the hearing on Wednesday, complainant and advocate Amita Sachdeva, said the most revered entities of Sanatan Dharma -- Hanuman and Ganesh -- were insulted in Husain's paintings. "This is obscenity. Depicted most revered deities in obscene manner a deliberate and malicious insult. Husain may be the greatest artist in the world, but he has no right to insult my deities," he argued. He claimed there was an advertisement and thousands of people saw the painting of "deities being ridiculed". "Prima facie case is made out for exhibiting such offen

Ruling on FIR that MF Husain's paintings 'hurt religious sentiments' today
Updated On : 22 Jan 2025 | 2:20 PM IST

Politics of funding religious outreach: Examining nationwide schemes

As the AAP govt promises salaries to temple and gurudwara priests, a look at other parties nationwide that have made similar announcements or rolled out such schemes

Politics of funding religious outreach: Examining nationwide schemes
Updated On : 05 Jan 2025 | 10:57 PM IST

Rajasthan govt to introduce bill against forceful religious conversions

The BJP government in Rajasthan is set to introduce a bill in the upcoming Assembly session to stop forceful religious conversions in the state, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said on Saturday. The bill was approved in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bajanlal Sharma. Patel said the bill proposes that if someone wants to convert to another religion, the person will have to give an application to the district magistrate 60 days in advance. "The district magistrate will examine whether or not it is a forceful conversion," he said, adding if it is found that the conversion is not forced or under any temptation, then the applicant will be allowed to go ahead with it. Talking to reporters after the meeting, the state parliamentary affairs minister said, "The government has decided to bring a bill in the upcoming assembly session to stop forceful religious conversion in the state. The bill has provisions of punishment in different categories, from one year to 10

Rajasthan govt to introduce bill against forceful religious conversions
Updated On : 30 Nov 2024 | 9:54 PM IST

Ajmer Dargah Sharif claimed as Shiva temple in new religious site dispute

A Rajasthan court on Wednesday accepted a petition by a right-wing outfit claiming Ajmer's Dargah Sharif was a Shiva temple in a growing list of Muslim religious sites under dispute

Ajmer Dargah Sharif claimed as Shiva temple in new religious site dispute
Updated On : 28 Nov 2024 | 10:00 AM IST

Religious conversion to avail reservation a 'fraud on constitution': SC

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court has said religious conversions undertaken solely to avail reservation benefits without genuine belief amounted to a "fraud on the Constitution". Justices Pankaj Mithal and R Mahadevan passed the verdict on November 26 in a case filed by one C Selvarani and upheld a Madras High Court decision of January 24 denying a scheduled caste certificate to a woman who converted to Christianity but later claimed to be a Hindu to secure employment benefits. Justice Mahadevan, who wrote the 21-page verdict for the bench, further underscored that one converted to a different religion, when they were genuinely inspired by its principles, tenets and spiritual thoughts. "However, if the purpose of conversion is largely to derive the benefits of reservation but not with any actual belief in the other religion, the same cannot be permitted, as the extension of benefits of reservation to people with such ulterior motives will only defeat the social ethos of th

Religious conversion to avail reservation a 'fraud on constitution': SC
Updated On : 27 Nov 2024 | 2:46 PM IST

Temple, dargah, or gurdwara: SC orders removal of structures harming safety

The Supreme Court said that India is a secular nation, and its orders regarding bulldozer operations and anti-encroachment initiatives will apply to all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs

Temple, dargah, or gurdwara: SC orders removal of structures harming safety
Updated On : 01 Oct 2024 | 4:40 PM IST

Mandi tension: CM Sukhu makes appeal to maintain peace, welcome tourists

Amid tension after demand for demolition of "unauthorised" mosque structure in Mandi and protests by Hindu outfits, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday appealed to the people to maintain peace and brotherhood and said tourists are welcome. "We appeal to maintain peace and brotherhood and welcome tourists," said the chief minister while addressing media persons after an all-party meeting here with state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, BJP leader Randhir Sharma, CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, AAP leader Surjit Singh and others. "I have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and make no provocative statements, and that is why an all-party meeting. No one is allowed to take the law into their hands. "We respect everyone. The land of Himachal has respect for all religions," the chief minister said. Referring to the protest on Friday by Hindu organisations demanding demolition of the "encroached" structure of a mosque in Mandi town, he said Himachal Pradesh is a

Mandi tension: CM Sukhu makes appeal to maintain peace, welcome tourists
Updated On : 13 Sep 2024 | 7:44 PM IST

Kerala CM protecting those behind controversial 'kafir' post: Oppn UDF

The Congress-led opposition UDF on Friday continued its attack on the ruling CPI(M) in Kerala over the "kafir" campaign that was carried out hours before the LS polls in Vadakara constituency, by accusing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of protecting those who were behind it. The issue in question pertains to a social media post put up ahead of the Vadakara election that reportedly asked people not to vote for LDF candidate K K Shailaja as she was a "kafir" (non-believer). Terming it a hate campaign akin to a terror act which was aimed at dividing people along religious lines for political gains, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly V D Satheesan questioned why no case had been registered till date against those who spread the controversial post on social media. Satheesan also questioned how the CM, who holds charge of the Home Department, can feign ignorance about the affidavit filed by the police in the Kerala High Court reportedly stating that the post in question was circulated

Kerala CM protecting those behind controversial 'kafir' post: Oppn UDF
Updated On : 16 Aug 2024 | 1:19 PM IST

Congress wanted to extend reservation on basis of religion, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday charged that the Congress wanted to extend reservation on the basis of religion and give the right given to Dalits, backward and tribals to Muslims. As soon as the Congress formed the government at the Centre in 2004, one of its first tasks was to reduce the SC/ST reservation in Andhra Pradesh and give reservation to Muslims, he said while addressing an election rally in Tonk. "Modi is giving you a guarantee with an open heart that reservation for Dalits and backward tribals will neither end nor will it be allowed to be divided in the name of religion," he said. The prime minister asserted that he understands the Constitution. "Modi is dedicated to the Constitution. Modi is a person who worships Baba Saheb Ambedkar," he said.

Congress wanted to extend reservation on basis of religion, says PM Modi
Updated On : 23 Apr 2024 | 1:05 PM IST

Case booked over portrayal of Hindu Gods in Pondy varsity cultural event

A case has been registered in connection with a play staged at the annual cultural festival of Pondicherry Central University here recently, in which Hindu gods were allegedly depicted in an objectionable manner, police said on Tuesday. The Kalapet police registered the case against those who staged the play, including the Director and Script Writer following protests by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) against it on the campus on March 30. The Pondicherry University has initiated an inquiry into the incident. "The University has received a complaint against a play staged by the Department of Performing Arts of the University, the University sources said. It also added that an enquiry committee was being constituted to look into the matter. The Registrar In charge of the University has appealed to all those concerned to cooperate with the administration to maintain peace on the campus. Meanwhile, the ABVP has condemned what it termed as "distorted and disrespectful"

Case booked over portrayal of Hindu Gods in Pondy varsity cultural event
Updated On : 02 Apr 2024 | 1:58 PM IST

Kerala CM cautions against concerted efforts creating rift among religions

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday cautioned against concerted efforts to create a rift among religions and religious beliefs in the country. Instead of nurturing harmony, cooperation and coexistence between religions, such forces are consciously trying to create division between them, the CM said. He was speaking during the 75th birthday celebrations of Theodosius Marthoma Metropolitan, head of Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church, here. "Today, there are deliberate attempts by people with vested interests to create enmity between various religions and religious beliefs," Vijayan said. Without naming any particular political party, outfit or individual, he further charged that some forces were capable enough to create a rift even among those who should stand united and create confusion in the society about whom or what should be opposed. In such situations, a humanitarian approach and interventions being made by personalities like Marthoma Metropolitan within the church

Kerala CM cautions against concerted efforts creating rift among religions
Updated On : 19 Feb 2024 | 1:44 PM IST

HC adjourns hearing on plea against order allowing puja in Gyanvapi mosque

The Allahabad High Court on Monday adjourned till February 15 the hearing on a plea challenging the Varanasi district court order allowing Hindu prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal passed the order on the appeal filed by the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee, which looks after the affairs of the mosque adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. After hearing the counsels for the Muslim side -- Punit Gupta and SFA Naqvi -- at length, Justice Agrawal fixed February 15 as the date for further hearing in the matter on Naqvi's request. Appearing on behalf of the mosque committee, SFA Naqvi submitted before the court that what right the plaintiff (Vyas) has in the disputed property is not decided yet and therefore without ascertaining the right of the plaintiff, the order to permit puja in the cellar is illegal. The Muslim side also filed certified copies of court orders which were not filed earlier, which were taken on record. The Hindu s

HC adjourns hearing on plea against order allowing puja in Gyanvapi mosque
Updated On : 12 Feb 2024 | 1:25 PM IST

Drone surveillance conducted at Gyanvapi complex amid 'bandh' announcement

The court directed the district administration to make the necessary arrangements in the next seven days

Drone surveillance conducted at Gyanvapi complex amid 'bandh' announcement
Updated On : 02 Feb 2024 | 2:32 PM IST

Caste, religious differences created to destroy Tamils' unity: TN CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday said caste and religious differences were created "later" to destroy Tamils' unity and urged them to conduct cultural festivals like the traditional bull-taming sport jallikattu unitedly as Tamils. In his address after inaugurating a grand jallikattu arena named after his father and late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, Stalin also charged the central BJP with "enacting a drama" over granting permission to hold the sport in the state, before the Supreme Court gave a favourable verdict on the matter. He recalled that DMK founder, the late CN Annadurai gave Tamil Nadu its name (it was earlier known as Madras Presidency) while Karunanidhi ensured classical language status for Tamil. His "Dravida model government" has constructed the grand arena in this district to highlight "aeruthazvhuthal which is a symbol of Tamils' culture," he said. "At this juncture what I want to tell you is--caste divisions and religious differences were created la

Caste, religious differences created to destroy Tamils' unity: TN CM Stalin
Updated On : 24 Jan 2024 | 1:18 PM IST

Meat shops, religious places to be at least 100 metres apart, says MCD

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has decided to reduce the minimum distance condition for opening a meat shop near any religious place to 100 metres from 150 metres, besides watering down other provisions. The move comes after the civic body drew opposition from meat sellers in the city who feared that the new regulations passed in October would adversely impact nearly 6,000 meat shops under the MCD jurisdiction and may even force many to shut businesses. The MCD, in its last House meeting of 2023 on December 28, gave its nod to a revised proposal introduced as a private member bill by AAP councillors Sultana Aabad and Amin Malik that proposed to decrease the minimum permissible distance between a meat shop and a religious place to 100 metres in densely populated areas along with other changes, an official said Monday. According to the revised proposal, the fee charged for the renewal of the licence for a meat shop has been slashed to Rs 5,000 from Rs 7,000 proposed earlier, the .

Meat shops, religious places to be at least 100 metres apart, says MCD
Updated On : 01 Jan 2024 | 5:54 PM IST

Over 140 people killed in Nigeria amid rising ethnic, religious tensions

Amnesty International Nigeria's office told The Associated Press that it has so far confirmed 140 deaths in the Christian-dominated Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau

Over 140 people killed in Nigeria amid rising ethnic, religious tensions
Updated On : 26 Dec 2023 | 6:02 PM IST

US govt condemns vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California

We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti, the Consulate posted on X

US govt condemns vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Temple in California
Updated On : 23 Dec 2023 | 9:34 PM IST

Delhi High Court to hear pleas seeking Uniform Civil Code on Dec 1

The Delhi High Court Monday listed for hearing on December 1 a batch of petitions seeking a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and observed that it "cannot do anything" if the issue has already been decided by the Supreme Court. A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan observed that in March, a top court bench had already declined a plea for "gender neutral" and "religion neutral" laws filed by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, one of the petitioners before the high court as well. The court deferred further hearing on the petitions while noting that none appeared for the petitioners during the proceedings and Upadhyay was yet to place on record his prayers in the petition before the Supreme Court. "Supreme Court has already decided the matter virtually... If the matter is covered by Supreme Court then we can't do anything," the bench, also comprising Justice Mini Pushkarna said. In April, a division bench headed by the then Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma had said that Upadhyay's ...

Delhi High Court to hear pleas seeking Uniform Civil Code on Dec 1
Updated On : 21 Nov 2023 | 3:58 PM IST

Sanatana Dharma is the only religion, rest all sects: UP CM Adityanath

CM Yogi further stressed the importance of having an open mindset to understand the essence of Shrimad Bhagwat's narrow-minded perspectives and struggle to comprehend its vastness

Sanatana Dharma is the only religion, rest all sects: UP CM Adityanath
Updated On : 03 Oct 2023 | 8:33 AM IST

Disrespecting Sanatan Dharma against Constitution: Union Minister

Venugopal waded into the Sanatan row, saying that his party believes in 'Sarva Dharma Samabhava' (all religions are equal). "We respect all religions," he had said

Disrespecting Sanatan Dharma against Constitution: Union Minister
Updated On : 18 Sep 2023 | 7:45 AM IST