The Karnataka High Court has paved the way for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct a route march in Chittapur, settling a legal and administrative dispute that had captured political attention. The march is now scheduled to take place on November 16, following a series of court-directed negotiations.
Court Proceedings and Resolution
The legal journey for this event began after the local tahsildar denied permission to the RSS and other groups, including the Bhim Army and Dalit Panthers, citing potential law-and-order risks. All organizations had sought to hold marches on the same route on November 2.
Justice M G S Kamal at the Kalaburagi bench of the High Court became the focal point of the proceedings. The judge directed the RSS petitioner, Ashok Patil, the organization's Kalaburagi district convenor, to submit a fresh application for permission. The court also mandated meetings between the district administration and the various groups seeking to hold marches, which eventually numbered eleven.
Following successful meetings on October 28 and November 5, the administration requested time until the hearing on Thursday, November 13, to finalize the dates. During this final hearing, the court also approved an increase in the number of band participants from 25 to 50, accommodating the RSS's request for its centenary celebration. The final permission grants 300 participants and a 50-member band for the route march.
Political Controversy and Broader Implications
The proposed RSS marches across Karnataka to mark its centenary have been a significant point of political contention. Priyank Kharge, the state's Information Technology Minister, has publicly objected to RSS functions being conducted on government property. The controversy is particularly acute in Chittapur, as it falls within his legislative constituency.
In a related development, the High Court has put a stay on a state government order from October 18 that restricted gatherings of ten or more people without explicit permission. This order was widely seen as a response to the planned RSS marches. The stay was granted by Justice M Nagaprasanna, and a subsequent appeal by the state government to a division bench was unsuccessful, leaving the stay in effect for now.
Looking Forward
With the Chittapur dispute resolved, the RSS is set to proceed with its commemorative event. The court-mediated process highlights the balance between the right to assemble and the state's responsibility to maintain public order. The outcome is being closely watched as it sets a precedent for handling similar requests from various organizations in the future.
