Karnataka High Court Approves RSS Centenary March in Chittapur with Limited Participation

The Karnataka government granted permission on Thursday for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary procession in Chittapur town of Kalaburagi district.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty informed the Kalaburagi bench of the Karnataka High Court about the state government's decision during proceedings.

Shetty confirmed to the court that authorities had approved the RSS foot march scheduled for November 16, allowing 300 volunteers to participate along with 20 band players and drummers.

The court subsequently increased the number of permitted band players and drummers to 50.

District authorities had previously denied permission for the RSS march citing potential law and order concerns.

Following this denial, the court directed officials to conduct a peace meeting with RSS representatives and other organizations to reach an amicable solution.

Several organizations submitted petitions requesting permission to hold their own processions on the same day as the RSS march.

These groups demanded that RSS participants should not carry lathis or the 'Bhagwa Dhwaj' (saffron flag), but instead display the national flag and Constitution's Preamble.

Chittapur is represented by Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Following Minister Priyank's letter advocating restrictions on RSS activities in public spaces, the Karnataka government issued an order making official consent mandatory for private organizations conducting events in public areas.

The Advocate General informed the court that the state government had provided conditional, one-time permission for the RSS foot march.

Originally, the RSS had requested approval for 800 volunteers to participate in the procession.

"All factors have been taken into account," stated the Advocate General, noting that in some locations, RSS foot marches have previously been conducted with 100 to 150 participants.

RSS counsel Arun Shyam requested the court to permit their original request of 800 participants in the march.

After recording all submissions, the court closed the case.

The RSS foot march is scheduled to take place on November 16 between 3:30 and 5:45 p.m.

The court has approved participation of 300 RSS volunteers along with 50 drummers and band players.