The Karnataka High Court has directed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to submit a fresh application for its planned route march in Chittapur, located in the Kalaburagi district, scheduled for November 2. This directive comes after local authorities initially refused permission for the event, citing concerns over law and order.
The court’s order was issued during a special session following an appeal by Ashok Patil, the RSS Kalaburagi convenor. Patil challenged the district administration’s earlier decision to disallow the march, which was originally set for October 19.
The Executive Magistrate had previously denied the RSS’s application on October 18. The refusal was based on the fact that other groups, including the Bhim Army and the Indian Dalit Panthers, had also requested permission to use the same route on the same day. Officials cited the potential for public disorder as the reason for denying all such requests.
An official order stated, “To prevent disruption of peace and law and order in Chittapur and to avoid any untoward incidents, permission for the RSS route march scheduled for 19-10-2025 is hereby denied.” It further highlighted that simultaneous processions could negatively impact law and order, as indicated by police reports from the region.
Chittapur is significant as it is the home constituency of state minister Priyank Kharge. His recent comments regarding restrictions on RSS activities in public institutions have been a point of political controversy.
During the hearing, Justice M S Kamal inquired about the possibility of rescheduling the march. Senior advocate Arun Shyam, representing the RSS, suggested November 2 as a suitable alternative date. Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, appearing for the state government, assured the court that the administration would identify an appropriate location for the event.
After hearing both parties, the court instructed the RSS to submit a new application detailing the proposed route, location, and time, along with answers to any previous queries. This application is to be filed with the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district, with copies also sent to the Taluka Executive Magistrate and the police.
The High Court has asked the authorities to consider the RSS’s request in light of the court’s observations and relevant legal provisions. A report on the matter is to be submitted by October 24.
The RSS counsel emphasized that the organization has no intention of disturbing public peace, stating, “The organisation is conscious and concerned about maintaining harmony and law and order. As of today, nearly 250 route marches have been held across the state without any untoward incident. The organisation will ensure that peace and tranquility are maintained and that full cooperation is extended to the state government, including the provision of volunteers.”
The court accepted this assurance and also requested authorities to allocate separate timings for processions by the Bhim Army and the RSS to prevent overlap.
Justice Kamal noted that while citizens possess the constitutional right to assemble peacefully, these rights are subject to reasonable restrictions by the state to maintain law and order. The court acknowledged the state’s primary responsibility in maintaining law and order and also highlighted the citizens’ duty to support social order.
The court further pointed out that while no specific law mandates prior permission for public marches, existing judicial precedents apply. The state government had referenced its 2021 order, initially intended for Bengaluru, and provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, which the bench suggested could be extended to other districts.
This decision occurs amidst heightened tensions between the Karnataka government and the RSS. Earlier this month, Minister Priyank Kharge had urged the Chief Minister to ban RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, arguing that these activities fall outside the academic curriculum and that government officials participating in them violate conduct rules.
Security was increased around Kharge’s residence in Chittapur following alleged threats he received after making these remarks.
Reacting to the denial of permission for the RSS event, state BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for suppressing democratic rights. He remarked that the denial, citing incomplete documentation, resembled a dictatorial regime.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also commented on the situation, suggesting the state government was using the issue to distract from its failures.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made remarks linking the RSS and Sanatana Dharma, which further stirred controversy.
The High Court will review the Kalaburagi administration’s report on October 24 before making a final decision on the RSS march.