Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Oct 24 (NationPress) The Kalaburagi Bench of the Karnataka High Court, while examining multiple petitions from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and five additional organizations, sought permission to conduct a foot march on November 2 in Chittapur town. The case is represented by Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge. The court requested a report from the government and postponed the hearing until October 30.

The High Court instructed the government to organize a peace meeting on October 28 and to present its findings by October 30. The court also mandated that the authorities notify the petitioners about the timing of the peace meeting within a day. The bench emphasized that the matter should be resolved swiftly and that an amicable solution would be ideal.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty, representing the state, informed the court that the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi district had provided two viewpoints in her report, indicating that the proposed foot march could lead to public inconvenience, traffic issues, and potential law and order disturbances. She suggested postponing the event by a few weeks.

Furthermore, the Advocate General indicated that the report advised against allowing any organization to conduct foot marches at this time. He clarified that the RSS application had not been denied but was currently on hold.

When the court inquired about a timeline for a final decision, Shetty indicated that actions would be taken following the peace meeting and requested the court to reconvene in two weeks.

The bench urged the government to find a peaceful resolution, noting that this was an opportunity to showcase the administration’s capability. It also pointed out that the report lacked clarity on how to resolve the situation.

Shetty mentioned that although eight organizations had submitted applications to hold foot marches, none had been reviewed yet. “Various statements have been made concerning the foot march. We aim to resolve this matter within two weeks,” he stated.

However, senior counsel Arun Shyam, representing the RSS, opposed this submission, asserting that it had already been agreed that the foot march would proceed on November 2. “Unnecessary obstacles are being placed to hinder it. If the state government is incapable of managing the situation, it should deploy central forces. Conducting a foot march is a fundamental right,” he argued.

The bench then pressed the government for the scheduled date of the peace meeting and reiterated its instruction to conduct it on October 28 and provide a report by October 30.

Arun Shyam requested that the peace meeting be held sooner, on October 25, but Advocate General Shetty objected, stating that the date could not be determined by counsel.

Previously, the RSS had filed a petition contesting the authorities’ refusal to grant permission for its centenary foot march in Chittapur. The court had directed the organization to submit a new application seeking permission for November 2. Subsequently, the Bhim Army, Dalit Panthers, and Kuruba community organizations filed applications to conduct processions and foot marches on the same day.

The Karnataka State Farmers’ Association also submitted a petition requesting permission for a procession advocating for flood relief from the Centre, while the State Christian Welfare Society sought permission for a peace walk. The society clarified that prayers are conducted on Sundays and that the peace walk is not aimed at countering the RSS foot march but rather to foster peace and harmony among the public.

The organizations have also presented separate petitions to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who has requested feedback from the police department.

The RSS initially planned to hold its foot march on October 19, but authorities denied permission citing law and order issues. The Sangh claimed that it had adhered to all necessary procedures prior to approaching the High Court.

Following a letter from Minister Priyank Kharge demanding a ban on RSS activities in public areas, the Congress-led government in Karnataka enacted a rule requiring all private organizations to obtain prior authorization from authorities before conducting any activities on public or government-owned property.

In response to the Congress government’s criticism and alleged attempts to restrict its activities, the BJP asserted that the Sangh had the strength to confront “numerous Priyank Kharges and Siddaramaiahs.” It added that the RSS had previously faced former Prime Ministers Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Priyank Kharge is the Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, and is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister of Karnataka.