Karnataka High Court Approves RSS Centenary March in Chittapur

The Karnataka High Court has granted permission for the centenary march of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to take place in Chittapur on November 2. The court’s decision came after the RSS challenged the earlier denial of permission by local authorities. The case was addressed urgently by the Kalaburagi Bench, which instructed the event organizers to submit a new application and called for the government to consider it before the next hearing on October 24.

The petition was filed by Ashok Patil, a leader within the Kalaburagi District RSS, who contended that his group had followed all necessary procedures for organizing the march. Initially, the application was submitted to the police on October 16 and then to the Executive Magistrate on October 18. However, local authorities denied permission on October 19, citing concerns over law and order due to potential clashes with other groups seeking to hold processions.

During the court proceedings, which were presided over by Justice M.G.S. Kamal, the bench posed several crucial questions regarding the legal authority required to approve such events. The senior counsel for the petitioner, Arun Shyam, argued that there was no specific law mandating permission for a non-protest march and highlighted that the RSS had successfully conducted marches in over 250 locations across the state without any incidents.

The court also acknowledged the government’s concerns regarding public safety, noting that other groups, such as the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers, had also sought permission for their respective processions. In response, the court directed the government to establish separate timings for these events to ensure safety and order.

The RSS’s planned centenary march has generated significant attention, especially following recent statements from Priyank Kharge, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Information Technology, and Biotechnology, who had called for a ban on RSS activities in the region, thereby intensifying the ongoing debate surrounding the organization.

The upcoming march in Chittapur is significant not only for the RSS but also for the local community, as it reflects broader social dynamics and the ongoing discussions about public demonstrations in Karnataka.