The Karnataka High Court directed the State Government and Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti to respond to a PIL aiming to ban the “Black Day” protest during Kannada Rajyotsava. The petitioner argues it disrupts public peace and infringes on the rights of Kannada speakers. The next hearing is set for February 18, emphasizing regional cultural disputes.
Karnataka: The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday, January 22, directed the State Government and the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) to respond to a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on observing or publicizing “Black Day” on Kannada Rajyotsava (November 1) in Belagavi or other Kannada-speaking regions.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice M.I. Arun stated,
“The reply affidavit of all the respondents shall be filed before the next date of hearing, stand over to February 18.”
The court passed this order while hearing a petition filed by Mallappa Chayappa Aksharad.
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The petition urges authorities to restrain MES from organizing public demonstrations, protests, rallies, or assemblies on Kannada Rajyotsava in Belagavi or any part of Karnataka. MES is a group advocating for the merger of Belagavi district with Maharashtra, citing cultural and linguistic reasons. However, their “Black Day” protests on Karnataka’s state foundation day have sparked controversy for over two decades.
Advocate Amruthesh N.P., representing the petitioner, argued that Kannada Rajyotsava is a significant celebration for Kannadigas, but MES’s “Black Day” observance in Belagavi, a region already sensitive due to the border dispute, disrupts peace and harmony. He pointed out that despite complaints, authorities have failed to take action.
“Petitioner and others have been giving complaints, but the authorities have not taken cognizance, and even police are arranging bandobast for them to do this Black Day. Several complaints are filed, cases are filed,”
said Amruthesh.
The counsel further submitted evidence, including a memo and photographs from 2024, documenting the MES procession.
The petition highlights that the protest:
- Disrupts public peace.
- Infringes on the rights of Kannada-speaking citizens to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava peacefully.
- Creates communal disharmony.
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The plea also emphasizes the need for authorities to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations across Karnataka.
The petitioner seeks:
- A ban on MES’s Black Day observance on November 1 in Belagavi or any other Kannada-speaking region.
- Deployment of law enforcement to prevent and control unlawful gatherings or protests during Kannada Rajyotsava.
- Formulation and enforcement of guidelines to prohibit divisive events that disrupt peace and harmony during the celebrations.
The court has directed the respondents to file their reply by February 18, with the next hearing scheduled on the same day. The case brings focus to the long-standing border and cultural dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra while emphasizing the need to safeguard Karnataka’s cultural integrity and the rights of its citizens.
Case Title: MALLAPPA CHAYAPPA AKSHARAD AND State of Karnataka & Others
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