Karnataka govt drops plan to introduce Bill to regulate RSS activities

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has decided to scrap a proposed Bill that aimed to regulate the use of government premises and properties, citing objections from several ministers, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

The draft Bill had provisions for imprisonment and fines for violators. The decision follows a letter from Minister Priyank Kharge, who suggested that the government should issue an order instead. The government is reportedly keen to avoid controversy and potential legal issues.

Sources told Public TV said that the CM and Deputy CM advised Priyank Kharge during last week’s cabinet meeting that political and ideological fights are different and that the bill would not only affect RSS, but other organisations too.

Key features of the draft Bill include:

Mandatory permission for religious or political events.

Two years imprisonment and Rs 50,000 fine for first-time offenders.

Three years imprisonment and Rs1 lakh fine for repeat offence.

A fine of Rs 5,000 per day if the violation continues beyond the second offence.

The government has instead decided to adopt a more nuanced approach, allowing local authorities to decide on granting permission based on specific circumstances. The decision is seen as a cautious move by the state government, avoiding potential controversy and legal issues.

Meanwhile, despite the government’s attempts to obstruct the proposed RSS march in Chittapur, the Sangh remains calm and has decided to proceed with the march on November 2, as planned. The RSS is adopting a wait-and-watch approach, with no immediate decision on future legal action.

The RSS has also advised BJP leaders to maintain a distance from the event, emphasizing that it will follow its own rules and guidelines. The organisation’s state leadership has sent a message to BJP leaders, stating that while they are free to speak on the issue, they should not participate in the march and create any confusion.