In a setback for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday put a temporary hold on the state’s order requiring prior permission for public gatherings of more than ten people. The state government has said it will challenge the ruling.

The order, issued on October 18, made it mandatory for private organisations, associations, or groups to seek official permission before using any government property or premises for their events. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the move of being politically motivated, alleging that it was designed to restrict the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Though the circular did not explicitly mention the RSS, its provisions were widely interpreted as a move to limit the group’s route marches and shakhas (daily gatherings). The RSS subsequently filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the legality of the order.

Defending its decision, the government cited a 2013 circular issued under a BJP administration, which restricted school grounds and attached premises for educational purposes only. However, the issue quickly took a political turn after Minister Priyank Kharge — son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — wrote to the Chief Minister earlier this month, urging a ban on RSS activities in public spaces.

Kharge alleged that the RSS had been conducting its shakhas in government and government-aided schools, where “slogans are shouted and divisive ideas are spread among children and youth.” Following his letter, officials in Chittapur, Kharge’s home constituency, denied permission for an RSS route march on October 19, citing potential law-and-order issues.

The High Court, while hearing the petition, has now allowed the RSS to file a fresh application seeking permission to hold its march in Chittapur on November 2.

👉 Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner