RSS Chittapur march: Will consider all applications, Karnataka govt informs after meeting with organisers

The RSS's application for a march on November 2 was rejected due to potential clashes with other groups.

The Karnataka High Court had directed the authorities to meet with the organisers of the march to amicably resolve the issue. (File Photo)

The Advocate General and counsel for the RSS informed the Karnataka High Court Friday that their meeting this Wednesday regarding the proposed RSS march in Chittapur had gone well. The Advocate General noted that the various organisations applying to carry out a march could be given permission for different dates. A bench of Justice MGS Kamal heard the matter.

When the RSS initially applied for a march on November 2 (as part of a series of marches to mark the group’s centenary), a tahsildar denied the application due to other groups requesting the same route and time. The tahsildar had cited the risk of clashes. Chittapur also falls within the constituency of IT Minister Priyank Kharge, who has been vocal on barring the RSS from holding events on government premises.

The Karnataka High Court had directed the authorities to meet with the organisers of the march to amicably resolve the issue, with the most recent meeting scheduled for this Wednesday at the office of Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty.

Story continues below this ad

At the outset, Kalaburagi RSS convener Ashok Patil’s counsel, Senior Advocate Aruna Shyam, submitted, “The meeting went very well. We have made a representation with some concessions and discussions.”

The Advocate General, explaining the state’s position, stated, “There are 11 applications (from different organisations). We will consider all the applications to grant permission as a one-time measure with certain conditions, which were discussed during the course of the meeting…. Kindly grant us a week’s time, and we will grant permission as a one-time measure on different days and times, not setting a precedent.”

The court recorded in its order that the state will communicate its decision on the various dates and proposed marches by 2.30 pm on November 13, with the court hearing the matter on the same day.