The Karnataka High Court on Sunday instructed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to submit a fresh application seeking permission to hold a route march in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, on November 2. The direction came after authorities denied permission for the march originally scheduled for October 19.
The RSS is conducting 100-year anniversary route marches (path sanchalans) across India, including multiple marches earlier this month in Karnataka. Controversy erupted after an RSS march in Lingasugur, Raichur district, on October 12, where a government official, Praveen Kumar K.P., participated in full RSS uniform. Photos and videos of the event went viral, prompting protests and political debate.
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Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge wrote to CM Siddaramaiah demanding a ban on RSS activities on government premises and restricting government employees from participating in such events under Rule 5(1) of Karnataka Civil Services Conduct Rules. BJP leaders, including Tejasvi Surya, defended Praveen Kumar, calling the suspension threat “illegal” and asserting that RSS activities are socio-cultural, not political.
Following the suspension of Praveen Kumar, the RSS approached the Karnataka High Court, represented by Ashok Patil. On Sunday, a special bench asked the petitioner to submit a detailed fresh application for the march, including route, time, and venue, to the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi, with a copy to the Taluka Executive Magistrate and local police. Authorities have been asked to respond by October 24.
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RSS leader Rajiv Tuli highlighted the historical context of opposition to RSS, recalling past bans by former Prime Ministers Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narasimha Rao, which were later revoked. He accused the Congress of continuing its longstanding hostility towards RSS, Hindutva, and nationalism.
Authorities in Chittapur cited potential law-and-order concerns and overlapping marches by the Bhim Army for denying the October 19 permission. The state government also mandated prior permission for private organisations to use government premises.
No final order on the petition has been passed; the court will consider the application after receiving the authorities’ report.
