The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear a case on Friday regarding a proposed route march by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, on November 2, 2025. This comes amidst resistance from local groups and concerns over potential disruptions to peace and order.
The RSS had initially sought permission to hold the march on October 19, 2025, but the Chittapur Tahsildar, Nagayya Hiremath, denied the request, citing potential threats to law and order. The Tahsildar's decision was influenced by a report from the Chittapur police, which expressed concerns that simultaneous processions planned by the RSS, Bhim Army, and Bharatiya Dalit Panthers on the same route and day could lead to clashes.
Following the denial, the RSS approached the Karnataka High Court. In a special sitting on Sunday, October 19, Justice M.G.S. Kamal directed Ashok Patil, the RSS convener for Kalaburagi, to submit a fresh application seeking permission for the route march on November 2. The court also instructed the state government and district authorities to review the proposal, suggest a suitable route, and submit a report to the court by October 24.
Justice Kamal emphasized the importance of respecting everyone's sentiments. He also noted that there was no specific statutory provision mandating prior permission for peaceful marches or demonstrations, apart from judicial precedents and sections of the Karnataka Police Act. Citing constitutional principles, the court affirmed that the rights to assemble and move freely stem from Articles 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(d) of the Constitution, subject to reasonable restrictions.
The state government, represented by Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, assured the court that an appropriate venue would be designated for the event. The RSS counsel stated that the organization is committed to maintaining peace and public order, highlighting that nearly 250 route marches have been conducted across Karnataka without any incident. The bench recorded this assurance as an undertaking.
The case has sparked political debate, with the BJP criticizing the state government's actions and accusing it of attempting to suppress the RSS. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that the government's actions were aimed at hiding its failure in governance. In response, IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the High Court has only directed the RSS to file a fresh application, which the State Government "may consider".
Chittapur has become a focal point because Minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the constituency in the assembly, has been advocating for stricter regulations on RSS activities in public spaces. The state government had previously issued an order making "prior permission" mandatory for any private organization to use government property or premises.
The High Court's upcoming hearing on Friday will be crucial in determining whether the RSS will be allowed to proceed with its route march on November 2. The court will consider the reports submitted by the state and district authorities, as well as any objections raised by local groups. The decision will likely have implications for the balance between the rights to assembly and free movement and the maintenance of public order in the state.
