The Karnataka government intends to contest the High Court’s decision to temporarily halt its order that mandates prior permissions for all public gatherings held in government-owned or public spaces. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed this plan, stating, “We will file an appeal petition against the judgement.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding its authority in regulating public events on state land.
The government’s initial order, introduced earlier this month, was justified as a measure to ensure law and order and to manage public property more effectively. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling party of using this order as a tactic to suppress the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), citing recent criticisms of the organization by state minister Priyank Kharge.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara indicated that the appeal would be submitted to a division bench and downplayed the court’s ruling as a setback for the state.
In contrast, the BJP hailed the court’s intervention as a victory for democratic rights. Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra remarked that the stay was “a tribute to the dignity of the Constitution and democracy,” accusing the Congress government of continuing its past practices of suppressing dissent and exhibiting authoritarian tendencies.
Beyond the legal arena, the political dispute has spilled onto the ground, particularly in Kalaburagi district. A planned RSS procession in Chittapur on November 2 has led to community divisions. A peace meeting convened by the district administration to discuss security and logistics ended in disarray when Dalit organizations demanded that RSS participants refrain from carrying lathis, which the RSS delegation cited as part of their traditional uniform. Heated exchanges led to the adjournment of the meeting, with police escorting RSS representatives amidst protests from Dalit groups.
Dalit organizations, including the Bhim Army, have warned of street protests if their demands are not met, stating, “If the administration allows the procession with lathis, we will take our agitation to the streets.”
The matter is currently before the Kalaburagi Bench of the High Court. The court had previously directed the district administration to organize the peace meeting and submit a report. A decision on whether the RSS procession can proceed as planned is expected on October 30.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government plans to challenge the High Court’s stay order on public event permissions.
- CM Siddaramaiah defends the government’s authority to regulate events.
- The opposition BJP alleges the order targets the RSS.
- Tensions exist in Kalaburagi over an upcoming RSS procession, with community groups divided.
- Dalit organizations are protesting against the carrying of lathis by procession participants.