The meeting will be held on 28 October, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on 30 October, when the state will report the outcome of the meeting.
Published Oct 24, 2025 | 5:11 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2025 | 5:11 PM
The court asked the state to find a solution to ensure a peaceful march.
Synopsis: The Karnataka HC has directed the state government to hold a “peace meeting” with the RSS ahead of its proposed route march in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, on 2 November, citing the need for an early resolution to prevent communal tensions. The court’s order follows a petition by the local RSS convenor, Ashok Patil, after the state had previously denied permission for the march. The meeting is scheduled for 28 October, with the state required to report its outcome at a further hearing on 30 October.
The Karnataka High Court on Friday, 24 October, directed the state to hold a “peace meeting” with the organisers of the proposed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) route march on 2 November in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Kalaburagi RSS convenor, Ashok Patil, seeking permission to hold a peaceful march.
The meeting will be held on 28 October, and the matter has been listed for further hearing on 30 October, when the state will report the outcome of the meeting.
“Earlier resolution is better for everyone and society,” the court said, urging the state not to “prolong” the issue, LiveLaw reported.
The RSS filed the petition after the state government denied permission for the march, citing fears of “chaos” since a parallel march on the same route was planned by the Dalit organisation Bhim Army.
On 19 October, a single-judge bench of Justice MG S Kamal heard the petition and asked the state to consider the Sangh’s application to conduct the march on an alternate date, 2 November.
The court directed the petitioners to submit an amended application with route details, and the authorities were to report back by 24 October.
“If the state has difficulty in maintaining law and order, central forces should be deputed” – Advocate Arun Shyam, representing the RSS, told the court.
During Friday’s hearing, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, appearing for the state, said the government had not rejected permission for the RSS march.
He told the court that it is still under consideration after a report by the Deputy Commissioner of Police pointed to a “tense” situation in Chittapur between various groups.
Shetty, however, requested an additional ten days. Advocate Arun Shyam, representing the petitioner, argued that the state had already been given enough time.
“We gave sufficient time to them. Now ten organisations will come and say we want protest on same day and same time. We will proceed, let them give us suitable protection and let other organisations have a different day to protest,” Shyam said, referring to media reports of other groups seeking permission to hold processions on 2 November.
These include the Bhim Army, Gonda-Kuruba ST Horata Samiti, and farmer groups such as Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, all of which have applied to the Deputy Commissioner for permission to hold marches on the same day.
The court said it would not rely on media reports and asked the state to find a solution. Shetty noted that the police report stated it was not an appropriate time to hold the march due to potential law and order issues.
“If state has difficulty in maintaining law and order problem let central forces be deputed,” Shyam argued.
The Deputy Commissioner’s report said local authorities would hold meetings with the organisers of the procession. The court directed the state to conduct the meeting on 28 October and said 2 November could remain the possible date for the march.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
