2 weeks ago
Karnataka Bill to Curb Unregistered Groups' Use of Public Premises
In the Indian state of Karnataka, the government is thinking about making a new rule.
The rule would say that groups must ask for permission before they use public places like school buildings or parks.
This rule would apply to all groups, even ones that are not officially registered.
One such group is called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS.
A leader named Priyank Kharge, who is in charge of home affairs in Karnataka, thinks the RSS should not use government schools without permission.
He says the group teaches ideas that are not good for children and that go against India's unity.
Last year, he wrote a letter to the Chief Minister asking to stop the RSS from holding activities in schools and public spaces.
Now the government is discussing a bill to make this happen.
If the law is passed, everyone will need permission before using government buildings or public grounds.
The Karnataka cabinet discussed a bill to regulate the use of government premises and public properties on Thursday.
The proposed 'Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026' would require even unregistered organisations to get permission before holding events.
Government sources said the move is aimed at preventing the RSS from using public space without prior permission.
Under the plan, the RSS would need official approval to use government school buildings or public grounds.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge last year wrote to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and public spaces.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, including cabinet members, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, and then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
- What
- The government is considering a bill to regulate the use of government premises and public properties, requiring all organisations, including unregistered ones, to obtain permission before holding events
- Where
- Karnataka, India, with the news reported from Bengaluru
- When
- The cabinet discussed the bill on Thursday; Kharge's request for a ban was made last year
- Why
- To prevent the RSS from using public space and government school buildings without prior permission; Kharge has argued RSS activities go against India's unity and the spirit of the Constitution
Officials Seeking Restrictions on RSS Use of Public Spaces
Advocates of a General Permission-Based Rule
Regulating use of public property
Officials Seeking Restrictions on RSS Use of Public Spaces
Government sources say the bill requires all organisations, even unregistered ones, to seek permission from the concerned authority before holding events on government premises and public property.
Advocates of a General Permission-Based Rule
Sources also characterised the move as aimed at preventing the RSS from using public space without prior permission, indicating the rule targets the organisation specifically.
Handling RSS shakhas in schools
Officials Seeking Restrictions on RSS Use of Public Spaces
Home Minister Priyank Kharge wrote to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and public spaces, saying the RSS instils negative ideas in children and youths.
Advocates of a General Permission-Based Rule
Under the proposed bill, the RSS would instead need official approval to use government school buildings or public grounds, a lighter step than an outright ban.
Key facts
- Government
- Karnataka
- Proposed law
- The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026
- Key requirement
- Prior permission from the concerned authority for all organisations, including unregistered ones, to hold events on government premises
- Organisation affected
- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which sources say the move is aimed at
- Home Minister
- Priyank Kharge
- Earlier request
- Kharge's letter to then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and public spaces
- News location
- Bengaluru
Quotes
Priyank Kharge
Home Minister of Karnataka
“An organisation called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has been conducting its shakhas in government and government-aided schools, as well as in public grounds, where slogans are shouted, and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth, go against India’s unity and the spirit of the Constitution.”
thehansindia.com











