In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has delivered a clear directive to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), requiring the organization to file a new application seeking authorization for its proposed route march in Chittapur. This decision comes after the court set aside the previous order from the Kalaburagi police that had denied permission for the event.
The bench, comprising Justice M Nagaprasanna, emphasized that the original rejection by the police authorities was fundamentally flawed. The court found that the denial was issued without providing the RSS with a crucial opportunity to be heard, a basic tenet of natural justice. This procedural misstep formed the core of the court's reasoning for overturning the police order.
The legal proceedings were initiated by RSS member Channabasappa S Channur, who challenged the police's decision through a writ petition. The court's ruling now paves the way for a fresh evaluation of the situation. The RSS has been instructed to submit a new representation to the competent police authority.
Upon receipt of this fresh application, the police have been directed by the court to conduct a thorough re-examination of the request. The authorities are expected to consider all relevant factors, including the prevailing law and order situation in the Chittapur area, before arriving at a new, well-reasoned decision.
This judicial intervention underscores the importance of adhering to proper administrative and legal procedures when dealing with permissions for public gatherings and marches. The court's order ensures that the RSS's request will be evaluated on its merits, following due process, while also allowing the police to assess any potential security concerns associated with the event.
