Bengaluru: Reacting to the Karnataka High Court’s interim stay on the Congress government’s order banning RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) Path Sanchalan in public places, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state would immediately file an appeal before a Division Bench to challenge the stay.
Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah confirmed that the Home Department has been instructed to move swiftly against the single-judge order passed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna of the Dharwad Bench. “The stay has been granted by one bench. We respect the court, but we will appeal before a double bench. The process is already in motion,” the Chief Minister stated.
The High Court’s order came after a petition challenged the government’s October 18 directive, which prohibited assemblies of more than ten people without permission — effectively restricting RSS marches and other public activities. The bench observed that the order potentially infringed on fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(A) and (B), relating to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
Also Read: Karnataka High Court Stays Congress Government’s Order Banning RSS Path Sanchalan in Public Places
Siddaramaiah, however, maintained that the government’s move was intended to preserve law and order, not to curb constitutional rights. “We are committed to upholding the Constitution. The government’s order was based on maintaining public peace and harmony. We will defend that position legally,” he said.
He clarified that the stay order is not a setback, describing it as “part of the legal process.” “It’s a judicial order, not a verdict against the government. We are confident that the Division Bench will review the matter in full perspective,” Siddaramaiah added.
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara echoed the Chief Minister’s stance, confirming that the government will move an appeal immediately as per the CM’s direction.
Legal observers believe the Division Bench appeal will play a crucial role in defining the balance between constitutional freedoms and the state’s authority to regulate public assemblies under the Karnataka Police Act.
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