The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has moved the Karnataka High Court after the authorities in Chittapur denied permission for its centenary procession in the town.
The procession was scheduled for Sunday, but Chittapur Tahsildar Nagayya Hiremath denied permission, citing potential law and order issues.
“The permission for the RSS foot march is denied in view of the potential disturbance to law and order in Chittapur town. Accordingly, permission for the RSS to conduct the foot march is refused, and its petition in this regard is also rejected,” the Tahsildar said in his order.
The permission was denied based on intelligence inputs that the RSS foot march was being organised deliberately in response to the arrest of an RSS worker for allegedly threatening Minister Priyank Kharge.
The Chittapur police had also submitted a report, claiming that the Bharatiya Dalit Panthers party workers had also requested permission to conduct a protest rally on the same route. The Bhim Army members had also announced that they would take out a protest march in the town.
If the RSS, Bhim Army, and Bharatiya Dalit Panthers all carried out processions on Sunday, it could lead to serious law and order challenges, including possible clashes between the groups, the Tahsildar noted in his order.
The order came a day after the state government issued a circular making "prior permission" mandatory for any private organisation, association or group of persons to use government property or premises.
On Saturday, the Chittapur Town Municipal Council had removed cut-outs and banners installed by the RSS on the main road amid police security, stating that they were installed before giving permission for the route march.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks spark row
Meanwhile, the row over the government’s plan to bring restrictions to the RSS activities in public places in the state has escalated further with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launching a scathing attack on the right-wing group.
"The Sangh Parivar and RSS members opposed Ambedkar's Constitution in the past and continue to oppose it even now. Therefore, one must remain cautious about them. Keep the company of those who stand for society. Do not associate with those who oppose societal change or with Sanatanis," the chief minister wrote on X.
He blamed the “Sanatanis” for the recent attempt to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai.
"The incident of a Sanatanis throwing a shoe at the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is evidence that Sanatanis and elites still exist in society. Not only Dalits but everyone should oppose such acts of shoe-throwing. Only then can we take solace in the fact that society is on the path of change. I have placed my faith in the ideas of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar,” Siddaramaiah said.