Karnataka Court Halts Permission Mandate Order Over Public Assemblies

The Karnataka High Court has issued an interim stay order on the state government’s recent directive mandating that private organizations secure prior permission before conducting any activities in government-owned spaces. This stay represents a significant legal development for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government.

The government's contested order did not explicitly mention the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), but provisions were noted to potentially impact the Hindu right-wing organization's activities, including its route marches. Justice M. Nagaprasanna has postponed further deliberations until November 17, amid ongoing legal proceedings.

The challenge to this directive was raised by the organization Punashcetana Seva Samsthe, arguing that it infringed on citizens' constitutional rights to assembly and association. The opposition BJP has criticized the government move as an attempt to curb RSS public activities.