The Karnataka High Court has permitted the RSS to hold its route march in Chittapur on November 16, allowing 300 participants and a 50-member band. The court retained most conditions set by the Tahsildar for the event.
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BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has permitted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its route march in Chittapur town of Kalaburagi district on November 16, with a cap of 300 participants and a 50-member band. The court disposed of the petition filed by the RSS Kalaburagi convenor, Ashok Patil, seeking permission for the event.
Court’s Decision on RSS Route March
Justice M.G.S. Kamal, while hearing the petition, recorded that the Tahsildar of Chittapur had already granted permission for the RSS route march, subject to certain conditions. The High Court upheld most of those conditions, allowing only a modification in the number of band members.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam, appearing for the petitioner, thanked the authorities for granting permission but requested the court to modify two specific conditions, to raise the participant limit from 300 to 600 and to increase the band strength from 25 to 50 members.
He argued that the increased participation was necessary as the event was part of the RSS centenary celebrations and carried significant public sentiment.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the State, opposed the plea to raise the number of marchers. He stated that the figure of 300 was fixed after reviewing similar processions by the organisation in nearby areas, which usually attracted 100–150 participants.
However, the State did not object to the petitioner’s request to increase the band strength to 50 members.
Concurring with this reasoning, the court modified the Tahsildar’s order only with respect to the band. Justice Kamal observed:
“Except for the increase in band strength to 50 members, the rest of the Tahsildar’s order shall remain unchanged.”
Accordingly, the High Court permitted the RSS route march with a maximum of 300 participants and a 50-member band. The petition was then disposed of.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose when the Chittapur authorities initially denied permission for the RSS route march on October 19, citing possible law and order issues. The Tahsildar had noted that organisations like the Bhim Army had also sought permission to conduct a route march along the same route on the same day, raising concerns over potential clashes.
Subsequently, the petitioner filed a case before the Karnataka High Court. The court, on October 19, directed the RSS to submit a fresh application and instructed authorities to reconsider the matter and submit a report. Following this, the Tahsildar approved the event with conditions, which led to the current petition for modification.
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