Karnataka Cabinet approves Bill to regulate use of govt premises, says not targeted at any organisation

BENGALURU: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said.

In a statement after the Cabinet meeting, Kharge said the Bill seeks to create a legal framework for the use of government premises and public property by private individuals, organisations, associations and societies.

“The Bill provides a legal framework to safeguard, preserve, and ensure the responsible utilisation of Government lands, buildings, playgrounds, parks, roads, and other public assets, preventing misuse while protecting them for public benefit and good,” Kharge stated. He added that the legislation is intended to ensure accountability and prevent unauthorised use of public assets.

The Cabinet has approved The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026.

The Bill seeks to regulate and govern the use of Government premises and public property by private individuals, organizations, associations and societies. It provides…

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) August 13, 2026

Addressing speculation that the Bill is aimed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kharge said the government has no specific institution in mind. “Why is everyone thinking this is to curtail or curb any particular institution, association, organisation, society, club, union, syndicate or NGO? Beats me,” the minister said.

According to officials, the Bill proposes clear guidelines and procedures for granting permission to use government properties for events, meetings or other activities. It also lays down provisions for penalties in case of misuse or damage to public property. The government will table the Bill in the session of the legislature for discussion and passage.

Since 2025, Priyank Kharge has opposed the use of public property and government premises by the RSS, and demanded the organisation register formally.

In June 2026, Kharge wrote an open letter to the RSS, seeking clarity on its legal status, financial transparency and constitutional accountability as the organisation marks 100 years of its existence. He said an organisation that claims to have over 60,000 shakhas and crores of swayamsevaks in India and abroad has a significant presence in public life and, therefore, must be held to the “highest standards of transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance”. (ANI)