Now Reading: Karnataka plans Bill requiring permission for public events
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Karnataka plans Bill requiring permission for public events
The Karnataka government plans to introduce a Bill requiring prior written permission for processions, meetings, celebrations and other organised activities on government premises and public property. The Cabinet cleared the Karnataka Regulation…
The Story in Brief
The Karnataka government plans to introduce a Bill requiring prior written permission for processions, meetings, celebrations and other organised activities on government premises and public property. The Cabinet cleared the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, on August 13. Organisers would need to apply at least seven days in advance, while permission would be deemed granted if officials do not respond within that period.
The draft covers government land, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies and buildings. A first offence could bring up to three years in prison and a Rs 5 lakh fine. Repeat offences could bring five years and Rs 10 lakh. The proposal has triggered a dispute over the RSS, which the Congress government says is not named or targeted.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest claims on both sides simplify the proposal. Calling it an RSS Bill ignores that it applies to every organisation, while presenting it as routine crowd management overlooks its non-bailable offences, arrest powers and restrictions on slogans. The seven-day deemed approval rule offers some protection, but written reasons for rejection and consistent enforcement will matter more. The real test is whether the first few permissions and prosecutions involve government events, political groups and social organisations alike.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
