Dharwad bench of Karnataka high court stays govt order on nod for events on govt premises

DHARWAD: The Dharwad bench of the High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday stayed a government’s order requiring private organisations to obtain permission to hold events on government premises. It also ordered notices to the state government, Home department, DG&IGP, and the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner.

The court observed that the government’s order, which requires permission for events on government premises, including parks, roads, and playgrounds, is an infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution.

The court has posted the matter for hearing on November 17 and restrained the government from taking any coercive action against the institution. The court also directed the government to file its objections to the petition by the next hearing.

The order had been challenged by Punaschetana organisation which has approached the High Court. The institution has argued that the government’s order is an attempt to strangle the activities of organizations like the RSS.

The institution’s counsel argued that the government’s order is vague and that the state cannot dictate what activities can be carried out on government premises. The counsel also questioned the government’s power to regulate events on government premises and argued that the order is an overreach of the government’s authority.