The Karnataka High Court has temporarily stayed the state government's order requiring permission for events in government premises. RSS and other private organizations have received relief. The next hearing will be on November 17. The court emphasized the protection of constitutional rights.
Karnataka: The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court has stayed a state government order. Under this order, private organizations were required to obtain permission before conducting any activity in government premises. The High Court temporarily quashed it, stating that the next hearing in the case will be on November 17. This order was widely perceived as targeting the activities of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Petition Challenging the Order
The petition challenging the government order was filed by Punarutthan Seva Sanstha. The petition argued that the state government's move violates the legal rights of private organizations. The petitioner stated that organizing events in government premises is a constitutional right of their organizations, and this order imposes an illegal restriction on their rights.
High Court Hearing
Justice Nagaprasanna's single-judge bench, in its interim order, stated that the state government's order is immediately stayed. The court clarified that the final decision on the validity of the order will be taken in the upcoming hearing. Under the interim order, private organizations can now organize events in government premises, provided they comply with all legal rules and safety provisions.
Government's Argument
Earlier, Karnataka's Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, H.K. Patil, had clarified that the state government's order was not designed to target any specific organization. He stated, "Government or institutional property will only be used with proper permission and for the correct purpose. Any violation will be acted upon under existing laws." The minister also added that the order's objective is to prevent the misuse of public property and ensure the security of government premises.
