Karnataka HC directs State to hold peace meeting with organisers of proposed RSS route march

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the State government to convene a peace committee meeting with the organisers of the proposed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route march in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, according to Live Law report. 

The order came after the court took note of a government report indicating “some tension” in Chittapur, where the RSS plans to conduct its Pathasanchalana (route march) on November 2. The petition was filed by Ashok Patil, Convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, seeking permission to hold the event peacefully.

Justice M.G.S. Kamal, who heard the matter, referred to the report submitted by the district authorities, which mentioned that multiple organisations had issued statements both supporting and opposing the march, leading to a potentially volatile atmosphere. “Authorities will hold meetings with organisers and peace committees to address concerns,” the report noted.

Taking this into account, the court directed that the meeting be held on October 28 and posted the case for further hearing on October 30 at 2:30 p.m. “Do not prolong this matter. An early resolution is better for everyone and society,” the judge orally observed.

Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, appearing for the State, assured that the meeting would be held at the district headquarters, with the exact time to be communicated by Saturday. Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam, representing the petitioner, stated that the RSS had complied with the earlier court direction issued on October 19 and submitted a fresh representation seeking permission.

The Advocate General informed the court that the Deputy Commissioner’s report had been received and that the authorities had not rejected the RSS’s application but had kept it pending due to the tense situation on the ground. He sought ten days to resolve the matter, citing the need to maintain law and order.

Justice Kamal advised the State to engage with all organisations involved. “This is an opportunity to accommodate everyone,” he said.

However, the petitioner’s counsel objected to delaying the matter, arguing that the RSS had already agreed to the November 2 date and that other organisations were deliberately planning events on the same day to obstruct the march. “We have given sufficient time. Let the authorities ensure protection and allot different days for other groups,” Shyam urged.

The court noted that the State’s report did not mention applications from other organisations. The Advocate General clarified that the Superintendent of Police had flagged concerns about law and order if multiple events occurred simultaneously.

When Shyam argued that the State could seek assistance from central forces if necessary, the Advocate General responded that the situation was sensitive. “This is my client’s fundamental right to hold a route march,” Shyam countered, adding that the RSS’s application was being unfairly delayed.

Concluding the hearing, the court instructed the State to hold the peace committee meeting on October 28 and submit a progress report by October 30. “We are keeping November 2 as the possible date for the route march,” Justice Kamal said.

The petition originally arose after the Executive Magistrate declined permission for the October 19 march, citing overlapping events planned by other organisations. Following the rejection, the RSS filed an amended petition before the High Court. The matter will next be heard on October 30.