Karnataka Cabinet clears public property use bill amid RSS debate

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 14, 2026: The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday reportedly approved a Bill that would make it mandatory for private organisations, associations and groups to obtain prior government permission before using government premises or public property for any activity.

The proposed Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, drafted by the Home Department headed by Minister Priyank Kharge, is expected to be introduced during the ongoing monsoon session of the State Legislature.

The legislation is set to replace a government order issued on October 18, 2025, which required private organisations and groups to obtain prior permission before using government property or premises. Although the order did not specifically mention the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), it was widely perceived as affecting the organisation’s activities, including route marches. The Karnataka High Court had subsequently stayed the order, citing concerns over fundamental rights.

Under the earlier order, permission had to be sought at least three days before conducting any event or programme on government property. The rule applied to associations, societies, trusts, clubs, groups of individuals and other entities, whether registered or unregistered.

The Cabinet’s decision comes shortly after Priyank Kharge reiterated his intention to bring the RSS under a formal legal framework and urged the organisation to register with the government. Soon after assuming charge as Home Minister in June, Kharge had written to RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat seeking details regarding the organisation’s legal status, sources of income and related matters.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar clarified that the proposed law is not aimed at any particular organisation or political group.

“We are only saying that prior permission is necessary for any programme, irrespective of who conducts it. Whether in Bengaluru or elsewhere, permission must be obtained,” he told reporters.

In a post on social media, Priyank Kharge said the Bill seeks to establish a legal framework for safeguarding and ensuring the responsible use of government lands, buildings, parks, playgrounds, roads and other public assets while preventing misuse and protecting public interest.

Questioning allegations that the Bill targets any specific organisation, Kharge said it applies equally to all institutions, associations, societies, clubs, unions, syndicates and NGOs.

Cabinet Forms Panel on Minimum Wages

The Cabinet also decided to constitute a sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara to examine the recent revision of minimum wages in the state.

The Labour Department had issued a final notification in May revising minimum wages to between ₹20,350 and ₹32,145 across different categories. While labour unions welcomed the move, industry bodies criticised the increase as excessive. The matter is currently being heard by the Karnataka High Court.

The revision was a key initiative of Labour Minister Santosh Lad. Earlier, the Finance Department had advised government departments to await the Cabinet’s final decision before implementing the revised wage structure.

Karnataka to Challenge CWRC Order in Supreme Court

The Cabinet is also learnt to have decided to move the Supreme Court against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) directive asking Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days.

According to officials, around 7,000 to 7,500 cusecs of water is already flowing naturally towards Tamil Nadu, leaving Karnataka short by about 4,000 cusecs in meeting the CWRC’s stipulated release. The state government is expected to challenge the directive before the apex court.