The Karnataka government has proposed sweeping penalties for unauthorised use of government premises and public property under the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, tabled on 14 August 2026. First-time offenders could face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, while repeat offenders risk up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The Bill, mooted by the state Home Department headed by Home Minister Priyank Kharge, covers government lands, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies and other public assets. Unauthorised use is classified as trespass and can attract an additional fine of up to ₹5,000 per day if the violation continues after conviction.

Prior written permission is mandatory for any procession, meeting, assembly, function, celebration, event, training programme or other activity on government property. An application must be submitted at least seven days before the proposed activity. If the competent authority does not respond within seven days, permission is deemed granted.

Who Regulates and How

The competent authority — identified as the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police or another authorised officer — can refuse permission after inquiry and consultation with local bodies or police. Grounds for refusal include public order, communal harmony, safety, traffic management, noise and the prevention of utterances likely to cause resentment among religious, political, social, linguistic or cultural groups.

The Bill defines a procession as a gathering of more than 10 people moving as a group on public property with a common objective, covering political, religious and social processions and route marches. Marriage and funeral processions and certain unorganised gatherings are excluded.

Enforcement Powers

A police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector can arrest without a warrant any person who commits an offence under the proposed law. All offences are proposed to be cognizable and non-bailable. Unauthorised structures, objects or materials on public property can be seized, confiscated or removed. Authorities can evict unauthorised occupants with police assistance, though a show-cause notice must be issued beforehand unless immediate public safety intervention is required.

A person aggrieved by an order can appeal to the Commissioner of the concerned Division within 30 days.

Political Controversy

The Bill has triggered sharp political reactions. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra accused the state government of attempting to curb the activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a day after the Cabinet approved the Bill. He challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the RSS outright if they had the resolve to do so. Critics argue the legislation is targeted at the public activities of the RSS, an allegation the government has not directly addressed.

What Comes Next

The Bill is yet to be passed by the Karnataka legislature. Once enacted, the government is empowered to frame rules covering the application process, fees for using government premises, inspection and eviction procedures and maintenance of permission records. The proposed law will operate in addition to existing statutes including the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, the Karnataka Parks, Play-fields and Open Spaces (Preservation and Regulation) Act, 1985, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. All eyes are now on the legislature session, where the Bill is expected to face sustained opposition from the BJP and allied groups.