BENGALURU: The Karnataka government plans to introduce a Bill in the ongoing Monsoon Session that mandates prior written permission for processions, meetings, assemblies, celebrations and other organised activities on government premises and public property, with repeat violations carrying up to five years in prison and a fine of ₹ 10 lakh, officials said on Friday.
The proposed law would cover government land, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies, community halls and other property controlled by the government, authorities or local bodies. Unauthorised use of government property would be treated as trespass. Authorities could inspect premises and, with police assistance, evict unauthorised occupants, as per the draft. Home minister Priyank Kharge rejected the BJP’s allegation that the proposed legislation was aimed at the RSS, pointing out that no organisation is named in the Bill. “It applies to me, to you and to the BJP as well. Why are people calling it an RSS Bill? This Bill is not against anyone. “However, it is customary for anyone, whether a political party or an organisation, to inform the police and obtain permission before conducting a programme. He had alleged that RSS shakhas were being held in government and government aided schools and public grounds, where slogans were raised and what he described as negative ideas were being instilled among children and young people.
The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, cleared by the state Cabinet on August 13, also brings route marches within the definition of processions. A procession would mean more than 10 people moving together with a common objective, including political, religious and social gatherings.
I do not understand what the problem is,” Kharge told reporters. Asked whether the legislation was related to the RSS, he said: “Where is it in the Bill? Chief minister D K Shivakumar said the permission requirement would apply to government events as well. “Permission is required for everyone,” Shivakumar told reporters. He said there had been no discussion about any particular organisation and that permission was ordinarily required so police could make security arrangements for public programmes. This helps the police make the necessary security arrangements,” he said.
Kharge had last year written to then chief minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges and public spaces.
