Kalaburagi bench of Karnataka High Court gives nod for RSS route march in Chittapur

BENGALURU, KALABURAGI: The Kalaburagi bench of the Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted conditional permission for the RSS route march in Chittapur, scheduled for November 16. The procession will be allowed from 3 pm to 5.30 pm, with 300 uniformed personnel and 50 band members participating.

The high court was hearing a petition filed by RSS district leader Ashok Patil, challenging the tahsildar’s rejection of their procession permit application. The petitioner had sought permission for 600 participants, but the court allowed 300 uniformed personnel and 50 band members.

The petitioner’s counsel Arun Shyam argued that the event was an emotional one for locals, marking the organisation’s 100th anniversary. He requested that more participants be allowed, citing the presence of band members and other staff.

The court ultimately granted permission, citing the importance of the event, and specified the procession route and timings. The authorities were directed to ensure the procession is conducted peacefully and without any untoward incidents.

The district administration had earlier allowed the procession with conditions, including limiting the number of participants to 300 uniformed personnel and 50 band members, and restricting the procession to 1.5 km. The RSS had initially sought permission for 850 participants and a 3-km procession route. The district administration had reduced the number of participants and procession route length, citing security concerns.

The administration had cited concerns about maintaining law and order and public safety. The court had directed the administration to submit a report on the procession, and based on that report, granted permission with conditions.

The High Court has now allowed the procession to take place on November 16, with the specified number of participants and route. The RSS has welcomed the court’s decision, stating that they are happy with the permission and will conduct the procession peacefully.