Karnataka: RSS gets HC nod for route march in Chittapur
What's the story
The Karnataka High Court has allowed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its route march in Chittapur on November 2. The decision came after a petition by Ashok Patil, convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, challenging the authorities' inaction on granting permission for the event. Justice MGS Kamal questioned how the state government would accommodate this while respecting everyone's sentiments.
Permission denied
Chittapur authorities denied permission earlier
The Chittapur authorities had earlier denied permission for the RSS march, citing potential law and order issues. This was due to simultaneous rallies by the Bhim Army and the Bharatiya Dalit Panther at the same time and place. However, Patil's counsel argued that all queries raised by officials were answered satisfactorily, pointing out that similar processions were held peacefully in other parts of the state.
New date
Patil agreed to hold event on November 2
During the hearing, Patil agreed to hold the event on November 2 instead of Sunday. The high court directed him to submit a fresh application with all the required details to Kalaburagi's Deputy Commissioner. Authorities were asked to consider this and file a report before the next hearing on October 24.
Tensions rise
Police report warned of potential clashes
A police report had earlier warned that simultaneous rallies could lead to clashes and disturb public peace. The report also mentioned an incident where an RSS activist allegedly abused Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and threatened him with death. Tensions had already been high in Chittapur, Kharge's constituency, after saffron flags were installed for the RSS event without official permission.
Government stance
Siddaramaiah clarifies government stance
The state government had issued an order making prior permission mandatory for private organizations to use government property. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that his government wasn't targeting the RSS with this order. He said, "What we have done is that all organizations must obtain permission." He added that this rule was framed during the BJP's tenure and questioned why they didn't oppose it then.
Court decision
BJP president welcomes HC's decision
Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa welcomed the High Court's decision, saying it upheld the Constitution. He said those who tried to ban the RSS event faced humiliation and called it a lesson for those who claim to uphold constitutional values. Earlier, he had compared Congress's actions to North Korea's dictatorship under Kim Jong Un, accusing Minister Kharge of trying to impose an Emergency-like administration in Kalaburagi district.
Twitter Post
Karnataka BJP state president's post
ಚಿತ್ತಾಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕ ಸಂಘದ ಪಥಸಂಚಲನಕ್ಕೆ ಅನುಮತಿ ನೀಡಿದ ಘನ ಉಚ್ಛ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ತೀರ್ಪು ಜನತಂತ್ರದ ವಿಜಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಜಾತಂತ್ರದ ಹಕ್ಕು ಕಸಿಯಲು ಹೊರಟ @INCKarnataka ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಉಚ್ಛ ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯ ಚಾಟಿ ಬೀಸಿ ಸಂವಿಧಾನದ ಘನತೆಯನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿ ಹಿಡಿದಿದೆ.
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) October 19, 2025
ಚಿತ್ತಾಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ @RSSorg ಪಥಸಂಚಲನ ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಿಸಲು ಹೊರಟವರಿಗೆ… pic.twitter.com/Qkw1uQmaxK