The Karnataka High Court on Thursday cleared the way for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to hold its route march in Chittapur town on November 16, while keeping a strict cap of 300 participants. The court, however, permitted an increase in the band strength to 50 members.
Justice MGS Kamal disposed of the petition filed by the RSS Kalaburagi convenor, noting that the Chittapur Tahsildar had already granted permission for the event, subject to conditions.
Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that the organisation was marking its centenary year and requested two modifications in the Tahsildar’s order:
- raising the participant limit from 300 to 600
- raising the band strength from 25 to 50
He argued that public sentiment and the scale of celebrations warranted a larger gathering.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty opposed expanding the number of marchers. He said the cap of 300 was fixed after reviewing similar marches in nearby locations, which typically drew 100–150 people. However, he did not object to increasing the band size to 50.
Agreeing with the State’s assessment, the court refused to enhance the participant limit but allowed the request regarding the band.
Justice Kamal observed that “except for the increase in band strength to 50 members, the rest of the Tahsildar’s order shall remain unchanged.”
The dispute began on October 19, when Chittapur authorities — in the constituency of Minister Priyank Kharge — denied permission for the march, citing possible disturbance to peace and law and order. They also flagged that the Bhim Army and other organisations had informed officials that they planned a march on the same route on the same day.
On the same day, hearing a petition filed by Ashok Patil on behalf of the RSS, the High Court directed the organisation to submit a fresh application. It asked the authorities to consider it and place their report before the court.
Following this, the Tahsildar granted permission with conditions, which the petitioner partially challenged.
With Thursday’s order, the High Court has now permitted the RSS route march to go ahead on November 16 with:
- up to 300 participants
- a 50-member band
The petition was then disposed of.
