Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Karnataka Tribunal Stays Suspension of Officer Over RSS Activities
Imagine a state government that doesn't like some government workers joining a group called the RSS.
They suspended one worker, Praveen Kumar, because he went on a march with the RSS.
Praveen Kumar said this was unfair and went to a special court, the KAT.
The KAT agreed and told the government to stop the suspension for now.
At the same time, in another part of the state, some teachers also marched with the RSS.
Their boss asked them why they did it.
The government had previously tried to ban RSS activities, but a higher court put a stop to that order.
The Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) stayed the suspension of PDO Praveen Kumar for participating in an RSS foot march.
Kumar claimed his suspension was unlawful and politically motivated.
The Congress-led government also issued notices to four teachers in Bidar district for attending an RSS foot march.
The teachers' participation in RSS marches on October 7 and 13 led to show cause notices.
This follows a prior attempt by the state government to ban RSS activities, which was previously stayed by the High Court.
- Who
- Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT), a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) named Praveen Kumar, and four teachers.
- What
- The KAT stayed the suspension of a PDO and authorities issued notices to teachers for participating in RSS activities.
- When
- The KAT stay order was issued on Thursday; the RSS foot marches in Aurad took place on October 7 and 13; show cause notices were issued on Tuesday.
- Where
- Lingasagur in Raichur district and Aurad taluk in Bidar district, Karnataka.
- Why
- The PDO was suspended for participating in an RSS foot march, which the government is targeting. Teachers also participated in RSS foot marches, leading to notices.
Karnataka Government
Suspended Officer and Teachers
Justification for Action
Karnataka Government
The government is cracking down on government staffers and teachers for identifying with and participating in RSS activities, including foot marches, following a letter from a minister to ban such activities in public places.
Suspended Officer and Teachers
The suspended PDO, Praveen Kumar, claims his suspension is unlawful and politically motivated. The teachers have been issued show cause notices, implying a defense or explanation is expected.
Impact of Tribunal/Court Rulings
Karnataka Government
The government's actions are facing setbacks, with the High Court having already stayed a previous order to ban RSS activities.
Suspended Officer and Teachers
The KAT has provided immediate relief by staying the suspension of an officer, indicating a potential legal challenge to the government's stance on RSS participation by public servants.
- Tribunal Ruling
- Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) stayed suspension order.
- Officer Involved
- Praveen Kumar, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO)
- Reason for Suspension
- Participation in RSS foot march.
- Location of March
- Lingasagur, Raichur district.
- Other Action
- Notices issued to four teachers in Bidar district for RSS participation.