Karnataka High Court Suspends Government Order Restricting Public Gatherings Amid RSS-Congress Dispute

Bengaluru:

The Karnataka High Court delivered a significant setback to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's administration on Tuesday by suspending the controversial order that required prior authorization for public gatherings exceeding 10 individuals. Siddaramaiah has indicated that his government will challenge this court decision.

On October 18, the Congress-led government issued a directive making prior permission mandatory for private organizations, associations, or groups wishing to utilize government property or premises for their activities. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promptly alleged that this measure was specifically designed to restrict Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) operations.

While the government directive did not explicitly mention the RSS, which is the BJP's parent organization, the provisions were widely interpreted as targeting the activities of this Hindu right-wing group, particularly their route marches. This order was subsequently challenged in court.

The state administration has defended its position by referencing a 2013 circular from the education department, issued during BJP governance, which limited the use of school premises and associated playgrounds exclusively to educational purposes.

This directive emerged shortly after Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge advocated for prohibiting RSS activities in public spaces. Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, wrote to Siddaramaiah on October 4, claiming that the RSS conducts "shakhas" in government and government-aided schools and on public grounds, where "slogans are shouted and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth."

Subsequently, authorities in Chittapur, Priyank Kharge's home constituency, denied permission for an RSS route march scheduled for October 19, citing potential disruption to peace and law and order.

In response, the RSS filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court, which directed its representatives to submit a fresh application seeking authorization for holding a route march in Chittapur on November 2.