Communalism

Four decade-long misogyny of a law academic? Tahir Mahmood’s defence of Manusmriti echoes in his criticism of the 1985 Shah Bano verdict

The author argues that the positions of the legal scholar, Prof. Tahir Mahmood over forty years --defending the Manusmriti in 2026 and his opposition to maintenance for Muslim women at the time of the Shah Bano verdict in 1985 –reveal a cohesive, conservative worldview that normalises gender hierarchy under the guise of legal protectionism.

Uttar Pradesh’s new tactics for harassment: Electricity theft charges, strategic revival of temple, opening up of 1978 Sambhal communal riots cases

In a shift from demolition drives and religious surveys, the UP government targets Muslim-majority areas with electricity theft accusations, leading to fines, power cuts, and allegations of politically motivated harassment, particularly against Muslim opposition figures like MP Zia-Ur-Rahman Barq.

Dharm Sansad: Hindu Religious leaders condemn ‘divisive’ event even as a contempt petition is filed in SC

A contempt petition filed in the SC as well as a collective stance from religious leaders seek to hold authorities accountable for allowing the "Dharam Sansad" to proceed unchecked, which threatens public harmony and violates constitutional principles of unity and peace.

Fierce backlash grows against Yati Narsinghanand’s Dharam Sansad as fears of incitement to violence escalate; plea moved in SC

With the controversial event set to take place in December, widespread opposition from civil society, legal experts, and political leaders intensifies, calling for immediate intervention to prevent hate-fuelled unrest.

SC Collegium summons Allahabad HC Judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav over remarks on Muslims

The judge’s remark has generated national and international outrage; he made a series of other stigmatizing remarks during a speech, including the use of the term "kathmullah," a derogatory slur against Muslims

Uttarakhand: Retd. Muslim Army Officer Faces Ire of ‘Hindutva’ Forces; FIR Filed After 2-Yr Legal Battle

The retired Army officer, also a BJP leader who runs a school in Vikasnagar, had to move the court to get an FIR lodged against the alleged accused. The police is yet to act on it.

Taliban, Women’s Equality and Hindutva Nationalism

Tavleen Singh is a well known columnist. In a...

Jaunpur’s Atala mosque has moved HC against local court order directing filing of suit claiming it was ‘ancient Hindu temple’

The Atala Mosque, constructed in the 1400s is being challenged by one Swaraj Vahini Association who had filed a suit in a local civil court in May 2024 alleging the property was originally the Atala Devi Mandir.

UP government’s ‘naming and shaming’ tactic: A repeat of constitutional defiance

Reviving a practice condemned by the Allahabad High Court in 2020, the Yogi Adityanath administration targets privacy and due process, raising serious questions about its commitment to democratic principles.

Sambhal Mosque, Ajmer Dargah: how deep do we plunge into the abyss?

A misplaced and selective narrative of distorted history is whipping up social tensions and threatening lasting peace

BJP’s Hindutva shift, strategy of diverting from real issues and concerns over electoral tactics

India’s political landscape has seen shifts with the BJP’s increasing focus on Hindutva, moving away from addressing core issues. A controversial scheme like "Laadli Behen Yojana" has sparked concerns, as reports of potential repayments, eligibility issues, and corruption have emerged. These developments raise questions about the BJP's true electoral strategies and governance intentions

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Four decade-long misogyny of a law academic? Tahir Mahmood’s defence of Manusmriti echoes in his criticism of the 1985 Shah Bano verdict

The author argues that the positions of the legal scholar, Prof. Tahir Mahmood over forty years --defending the Manusmriti in 2026 and his opposition to maintenance for Muslim women at the time of the Shah Bano verdict in 1985 –reveal a cohesive, conservative worldview that normalises gender hierarchy under the guise of legal protectionism.