Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a new bill requiring private organisations and groups to obtain prior government permission before using government-owned premises, land and other public properties for events—a move being viewed as a significant attempt to bring the RSS and affiliated organisations under tighter legal control.
The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, introduced by Home Minister Priyank Kharge, is expected to be tabled during the ongoing Assembly session. It seeks to replace an ordinance issued on October 18, 2025, which made prior permission mandatory for private organisations or individuals using government buildings or land.
Although the ordinance did not specifically name the RSS, its provisions affected activities by various organisations, including route marches. The Karnataka High Court later stayed the order after concerns were raised that it violated fundamental rights. Under the ordinance, permission had to be sought at least three days before an event, with the requirement applying to registered and unregistered organisations, societies, trusts and clubs.
The proposed legislation comes days after Kharge reiterated his intention to bring the RSS within a legal framework. Since taking charge as Home Minister in June, he has sought details from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the organisation’s legal status, sources of income and other matters.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, however, said the proposed law was not directed at any political party or particular organisation and would apply uniformly to events across Karnataka.
Kharge has maintained that the bill is aimed at protecting government land, buildings, playgrounds, parks, roads and other public assets and preventing their misuse, while rejecting suggestions that it specifically targets any organisation.