- Karnataka High Court stays Congress government’s October 18 order on public assemblies.
- BJP alleged the directive targeted RSS shakhas and route marches.
- Priyank Kharge earlier sought a ban on RSS activities in public spaces.
- Stay order comes after denial of RSS route march in Chittapur.
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 28th Oct: In a setback to the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the state’s order that made prior permission mandatory for public gatherings of more than ten people — an order the BJP alleged was aimed at curbing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activities.
Issued on October 18, the directive required private organisations, associations, and groups to seek approval before using government property or premises for events. While the order did not mention the RSS by name, BJP leaders claimed it was designed to restrict the Hindu nationalist organisation’s shakhas and route marches. The order was soon challenged before the High Court, which granted interim relief.
Defending the move, the state government cited a 2013 education department circular issued under the then BJP regime, limiting school premises and playgrounds to educational use. The order came just days after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge called for a ban on RSS activities in public spaces.
In his October 4 letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kharge — son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — alleged that the RSS was conducting its shakhas in government and aided schools, “spreading negative ideas among children and youth.”
Subsequently, authorities in Chittapur, Priyank Kharge’s home constituency, denied permission for an RSS route march on October 19, citing potential disruption of peace. The RSS then moved the Karnataka High Court, which directed it to file a fresh application seeking permission for its November 2 event.
The High Court’s decision to pause the order has reignited the political debate over freedom of assembly and the Congress government’s stance towards the RSS in Karnataka.
