The Karnataka government on Friday told the High Court that it would “positively consider” a proposal by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to conduct a route march in Chittapur town, Kalaburagi district.
The assurance came during a hearing before Justice M G S Kamal, following the court’s earlier direction for a meeting between the petitioner and district authorities to resolve the matter amicably.
The issue stems from the district administration’s decision on October 19 to deny permission for the RSS route march in Chittapur — the home constituency of state minister Priyank Kharge — citing possible law-and-order concerns. The Tahsildar had noted that other organisations, including the Bhim Army, had also sought to conduct similar processions on the same day and route, raising apprehensions of disturbance.
Following a petition by RSS convenor Ashok Patil, the High Court on October 19 directed him to file a fresh application seeking permission, and asked authorities to review the proposal. The court later ordered a “peace-committee meeting” on October 24 to facilitate consensus, but the first meeting held on October 28 ended without resolution.
The second meeting, held on November 5 at the Advocate General’s office as directed by the court on October 30, was described as “fruitful and positive.”
Senior advocate Aruna Shyam, representing the petitioner, told the court that the discussions “went very well” under the leadership of Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, with all stakeholders participating. “We have made a representation, and the discussions were constructive,” he said.
The Advocate General informed the court that there were 11 similar pending applications across the state for processions. He said the government would consider all of them and grant permissions “as a one-time measure” subject to conditions, adding, “We will grant permission to everybody as a one-time measure, not to be seen as a precedent.” He sought a week’s time to finalise the process.
Recording these submissions, the court noted that the meeting was “fruitful and positive” and that the proposed dates for the march — November 13 and 16 — were being considered favourably. The court said the government would communicate its decision soon.
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on November 13
