The Karnataka High Court has stayed the state government’s controversial order that sought to regulate public gatherings by private organisations on government-owned land.
Issued on October 18, the order required any private body, association, or group of ten or more people to obtain written permission before organising events, meetings, or activities on public property — including schools, parks, roads, and playgrounds.
Though the order did not explicitly name any organisation, it was widely viewed as being aimed at restricting the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other groups known for conducting public marches and assemblies.
Hearing multiple petitions challenging the order, the High Court observed that the government had overstepped its authority. Justice M Nagaprasanna noted that such sweeping restrictions on citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression, protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, cannot be imposed through an executive directive.
The court held that if the state wished to regulate public gatherings, it must do so through proper legislation, not administrative orders. Until then, the directive cannot be enforced.
The ruling effectively restores the right of organisations to hold lawful public events without needing prior approval from the state, as long as they adhere to general law and order norms. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 17, while the government has indicated it may challenge the stay.
