2 weeks ago
Karnataka bill proposes jail, fines for unauthorised public property use
The Karnataka government in India has made a new rule about places that belong to everyone, like parks, roads and government buildings.
The rule says people and groups must ask for permission before using these public places for meetings, marches or big gatherings.
If someone uses them without asking, they could go to jail for up to three years or pay a big fine.
If they do it again, the punishment can be even bigger.
People who organise a procession, which means more than 10 people walking together, must apply at least seven days before the event.
The police and other officers can say no to an event if they think it might cause trouble or put people in danger.
They can also make rules about noise, timings and how many people can come.
Some leaders, like the head of the BJP in Karnataka, say this new rule is unfair and is meant to stop a group called the RSS from holding its activities.
The government says the rule is only to protect public property and keep everyone safe.
The Karnataka government has proposed the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, which penalises unauthorised use of government lands, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds and water bodies.
First offences could draw up to three years in jail and/or a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, while repeat offences could attract up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, plus Rs 5,000 per day for continuing violations.
The Bill, mooted by the state Home Department headed by Minister Priyank Kharge, makes prior written permission mandatory for processions, meetings, assemblies and events on government property, with applications required at least seven days in advance.
Offences under the Bill would be cognizable and non-bailable, police officers not below Sub-Inspector rank can arrest without warrant, and unauthorised structures, objects or materials can be seized, confiscated or removed.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the government of attempting to curb RSS activities and challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the organisation if they had the courage.
The competent authority, such as the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner or Superintendent of Police, can refuse permission on grounds including public order, communal harmony, safety and traffic management, with reasons recorded in writing.
Grounds for refusal include preventing slogan-shouting that could cause nuisance or resentment among religious, political, social, linguistic or cultural groups; conditions can restrict timings, noise levels, participants and weapons.
The Bill excludes marriage and funeral processions and certain unorganised gatherings from its definition of a procession as more than 10 people moving as a group with a common objective.
Aggrieved persons can appeal to the Commissioner of the concerned Division within 30 days, and the Bill operates in addition to existing laws such as the Karnataka Police Act, 1963 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
The Bill's stated objective is to prevent unauthorised occupation and use of government property and ensure public assets are preserved for their intended purposes.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- What
- The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026 proposes jail terms and fines for unauthorised use of public property and mandatory permission for processions and gatherings.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
- When
- The Cabinet approved the Bill a day before BJP leader B.Y. Vijayendra's criticism; the Bill is dated 2026.
- Why
- To prevent unauthorised occupation and use of government property and ensure public assets are preserved and used for their intended purposes.
Karnataka Congress Government
BJP and Critics
Purpose of the Bill
Karnataka Congress Government
The Bill's objective is to prevent unauthorised occupation and use of government property and ensure public assets are preserved and used for their intended purposes.
BJP and Critics
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the government of attempting to curb the activities of the RSS, viewing the law as a targeted move against the organisation.
Regulating processions and gatherings
Karnataka Congress Government
Mandatory prior written permission with a seven-day application window, deemed approval if no decision comes within seven days, and written reasons for refusal ensure orderly and safe use of public property.
BJP and Critics
The permission rules, grounds for refusal including slogan-shouting, and conditions on gatherings amount to excessive control over the public activities of organisations like the RSS.
Challenge to the opposition
Karnataka Congress Government
The government has not directly responded to the accusation within the articles; the Bill is presented as a general regulation of public property use.
BJP and Critics
B.Y. Vijayendra challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ban the RSS outright if they had the courage to do so.
Key facts
- Bill name
- Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026
- First offence penalty
- Up to 3 years in prison and/or fine up to Rs 5 lakh
- Repeat offence penalty
- Up to 5 years in prison and/or fine up to Rs 10 lakh
- Continuing violation fine
- Up to Rs 5,000 per day after conviction
- Permission application deadline
- At least 7 days before proposed activity
- Procession definition
- Over 10 people moving as a group on public property with a common objective
- Appeal window
- 30 days to the Commissioner of the concerned Division
- Proposed by
- State Home Department, headed by Minister Priyank Kharge
- Arrest powers
- Police officer not below Sub-Inspector rank; offences cognizable and non-bailable
Quotes
B.Y. Vijayendra
BJP State President and MLA
“The bill will safeguard public assets and ensure they are used for their intended purposes.”
thehansindia.com
“The state government is trying to curb the activities of the RSS.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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