Karnataka High Court stays State government order regulating activities of private organisations on public land

Going against the Karnataka government, the Dharwad Bench of the Supreme Court struck down a recent order seeking to ban private gatherings on State government premises and premises.

The single-judge bench of Justice M. Nagaprasanna gave the order while hearing the petition of Hubballi-based Punashchetana Seva Samsthe challenging the GO. The matter was sent for further hearing on November 17, 2025.

The State Government had on October 18 passed the order to prevent trespass by private entities on public properties. This comes after IT-IT Minister Priyank Kharge told Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that organizations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) should run government schools, colleges, etc. It came just days after his letter asking for a ban on his activities on public property.

temporary stay

In its decision, the YK said, “The government has taken away the right granted in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) of Article 19 of the Constitution. The right granted by the Constitution cannot be taken back by a government decision. Therefore, the court decides to postpone the government decision.”