Karnataka HC Stays Govt Order Restricting RSS Events, Upholds Constitutional Freedom
In a major setback for the Karnataka government, the High Court has stayed its order restricting activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ( RSS ). The interim order was passed by a bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, which also issued notices to the state government, Home Department, and Hubballi Police.
The RSS had challenged the state’s October 18, 2025 directive, which declared any gathering of more than ten people without prior permission a criminal offence. The order also restricted the use of public spaces such as roads, parks, playgrounds, and lakes for meetings and marches, invoking provisions under the Police Act.
The High Court observed that the government cannot infringe upon fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(A) and 19(1)(B) of the Constitution, which ensure freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. The bench held that no government order can override constitutional rights , offering temporary relief to the RSS until the next hearing.
Reacting to the court’s decision, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya , accused Congress leader Priyank Kharge of driving the move against RSS. “RSS has been peacefully conducting its activities, carrying out marches and processions in a peaceful manner," he said.
The controversy began after the Karnataka Cabinet, on October 16, approved new rules regulating public gatherings, which were seen as an attempt to limit RSS processions and events in public or government spaces. This decision followed a letter from IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a ban on RSS and its affiliated groups from using government properties.
The move has sparked strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party , which accused the Congress-led state government of political vendetta. In its defence, the Karnataka government referred to a 2013 circular issued by the previous BJP administration that restricted school premises and playgrounds for educational use only, claiming that similar measures existed under the BJP rule as well.
The RSS had challenged the state’s October 18, 2025 directive, which declared any gathering of more than ten people without prior permission a criminal offence. The order also restricted the use of public spaces such as roads, parks, playgrounds, and lakes for meetings and marches, invoking provisions under the Police Act.
The High Court observed that the government cannot infringe upon fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(A) and 19(1)(B) of the Constitution, which ensure freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. The bench held that no government order can override constitutional rights , offering temporary relief to the RSS until the next hearing.
Reacting to the court’s decision, BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya , accused Congress leader Priyank Kharge of driving the move against RSS. “RSS has been peacefully conducting its activities, carrying out marches and processions in a peaceful manner," he said.
The controversy began after the Karnataka Cabinet, on October 16, approved new rules regulating public gatherings, which were seen as an attempt to limit RSS processions and events in public or government spaces. This decision followed a letter from IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging a ban on RSS and its affiliated groups from using government properties.
The move has sparked strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party , which accused the Congress-led state government of political vendetta. In its defence, the Karnataka government referred to a 2013 circular issued by the previous BJP administration that restricted school premises and playgrounds for educational use only, claiming that similar measures existed under the BJP rule as well.
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