The Karnataka High Court has stayed the Siddaramaiah government's order, which made it mandatory for private organizations to seek permission before conducting programs on government property or public places. The court's decision has lifted the ban on RSS shakhas (branches/meetings).
Bengaluru: The Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka suffered a major setback from the High Court on Tuesday. The Dharwad bench has stayed the state government's controversial order, which made it mandatory for any private organization or association to obtain permission before organizing programs on government property or public places. The court, citing the order as an issue related to citizens' fundamental rights, adjourned it until the next hearing.
Court Stays Government Order
On October 18, the Karnataka government issued a directive stating that any private institution, group, or organization must obtain permission from the administration three days prior to using government land, parks, or public places. This order had caused widespread discontent in the state, as it was seen as an indirect ban on the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Hearing the case, Justice M. Nagaprasanna stated that the government's order violates citizens' constitutional right to assemble and form associations. The court noted that under Article 13(2), no government action can infringe upon fundamental rights.
Petitioner Calls Order a Restriction on Freedom
This order was challenged in court by an organization called Punarchetana Seva Sanstha. Senior advocate Ashok Haranahalli, representing the petitioner, argued that the government's decision is akin to restricting citizens' freedom and democratic rights.
He stated that the order also made permission mandatory for the gathering of more than 10 people, which would bring activities like yoga, prayer, or cultural programs in a public park into legal complications. The court, accepting these arguments, decided to temporarily stay the government's order and set November 17 as the date for the next hearing.
VHP Calls Decision a Victory for Truth
Following the stay on the government order, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and organizations associated with the RSS called it a “victory for truth.” VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal stated that the Siddaramaiah government had taken unconstitutional steps in its opposition to the RSS, which the court has now annulled.
Bansal wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “In its hatred for the RSS, the Congress government was issuing 'Tughlaqi farmaans' (arbitrary decrees). Now the judiciary has protected democracy.” He questioned whether people can no longer practice yoga, meditation, or sing patriotic songs in parks.
