Karnataka Government Appeals High Court Stay on Public Space Regulation

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to appeal a High Court stay on a government order regulating private organisations' activities in public spaces. The order, though not explicitly naming it, targets RSS activities. The opposition BJP criticized the order as an attempt to curb RSS programs.

In a recent development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed officials to file an appeal against a High Court's stay order. The court had halted the state government's directive that aimed to regulate private organisations' activities on public or government properties.

The original directive was issued on October 18 and required private groups to seek permission before using public spaces for events. Although the order did not specifically name the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), it is widely perceived as targeting the Hindu right-wing organization's events.

The decision to appeal follows growing contention, with the opposition BJP labeling the government's move as a targeted action against RSS activities. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains resolute, highlighting the order was based on a Cabinet decision influenced by a letter from Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.

(With inputs from agencies.)