Karnataka HC halts state govt order restricting RSS events, cites constitutional rights

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 28, 2025: In a big setback for the Karnataka government, the High Court has issued an interim stay on its order imposing restrictions on the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The order was passed by a bench headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, which also issued notices to the state government, the Home Department, and the Hubballi Police Commissioner.

The RSS had challenged the state government’s order dated October 18, 2025, which declared any gathering of more than ten people without prior permission a criminal offence. The order also placed restrictions on the use of roads, parks, playgrounds, and lakes for such gatherings, citing provisions under the Police Act.

The High Court observed that the government cannot curtail rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(A) and 19(1)(B) of the Constitution, which protect freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, and held that a government order cannot override constitutional rights.

The interim stay provides temporary relief to the organisation, pending further hearing in the case.

Soon after the order, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, said the entire move against RSS activities is Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s doing. “RSS has been peacefully conducting its activities, carrying out marches and processions in a peaceful manner," said the MP.

State Tried To Bring Rules To Check RSS Activity

The Karnataka Cabinet on October 16 approved new rules aimed at regulating public gatherings and events, a move widely seen as an attempt to curb RSS activities, including marches and events in public places and government premises.

The decision came shortly after Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a ban on RSS and its affiliated organisations from conducting activities on government property.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress-led government of political vendetta.

In response, the Karnataka government cited a 2013 circular issued by the then BJP administration, which had restricted the use of school premises and playgrounds exclusively for educational purposes, arguing that similar regulatory measures had been in place under the previous regime as well.