Congress, BJP spar over Karnataka Bill regulating use of Govt places
The proposed Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, cleared by the state cabinet, proposes three years’ jail term or a fine up to Rs five lakh.
Repeating the offence may be punishable for a period of up to five years and a fine of over Rs 10 lakhs.
The bill, cleared by the state cabinet on Thursday, aims to regulate the use of public places and Government premises and makes prior permission from competent authorities mandatory for conducting various activities. The ruling Congress and the BJP locked horns over the bill.
While the BJP leaders alleged that this was aimed to target the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Karnataka Home Minister clarified that nowhere is the name of any organisation mentioned.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge had last year written to the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting a ban on RSS activities in Government schools, colleges, and public spaces.
“An organisation called the RSS has been conducting its shakhas in Government and Government-aided schools, as well as in public grounds, where slogans are shouted, and negative ideas are instilled in the minds of children and youth,” Kharge wrote.
He explained that such practices “go against India’s unity and the spirit of the Constitution”.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said any event organised in a public place requires permission even if Government is organising it. The proposed bill stated that it has come to the notice of the Government that several private organisations, associations and groups have been utilising public premises and Government property such as lands, playgrounds, parks, community halls and public roads for conducting their activities, programmes, celebrations and gatherings without obtaining prior permission or even informing the authorities concerned.
“It is necessary to empower the jurisdictional Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to consider such applications and to grant or refuse permission having regard to public safety, law and order, and the need to prevent nuisance or ‘divisive activities’,” said the draft bill.
Route marches have also been categorised as procession, which would require permission of the competent authority.
The proposed bill further said, “No person or organisation shall hold, organise, conduct or permit any procession, Meeting, assembly, function, celebration, event, training or any other activity in any of the Government property or premises attached to thereof without obtaining prior written permission from the competent authority.”
It laid emphasis on preservation of communal harmony and preventing sloganeering or other such utterances that may cause nuisance and cause resentment to other religious, political, social, linguistic or cultural groups.
Whoever uses or permits the use of any Government property without permission, or in contravention of any condition imposed under this Act or rules, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years, or with fine which may extend up to Rs five lakh, or with both, the draft bill reads.
“In the case of a second or subsequent offence, such person shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend up to five years and with fine which may extend up to Rs 10 lakh, or will both.
CM Shivakumar said prior permission would be mandatory to hold programmes on public property, amid a controversy over a proposed Bill regulating its use.
“Permission is required for everyone,” Shivakumar told reporters on Thursday night.
He ruled out that there was any specific discussion on any particular organisation or institution.
“However, it is customary for anyone, whether a political party or an organisation, to inform the police and obtain permission before conducting a programme. This helps the police make the necessary security arrangements,” he said.
The CM said the requirement would apply even to Government-backed events.
Minister Priyank Kharge, in a post on X, said the Bill would provide a legal framework for the responsible use of Government land, buildings, playgrounds, parks, roads and other public assets and prevent their misuse.
“Why is everyone thinking this is to curtail or curb any particular institution, association, organisation, society, club, union, syndicate or NGO? Beats me,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge said when the Bill has not yet been introduced, people have already started assuming.
“It (the bill) applies to everyone. It applies to me, to you and to the BJP as well. I do not understand what the problem is.”
Asked whether this was related to the RSS, he replied, “Where is it in the Bill? Why are people calling it an RSS Bill? This Bill is not against anyone.”
He added that Congress has a history of 150 years and yet it takes permission to hold events.
Reacting to the proposed bill, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka dared Kharge to ban the RSS.
“Let him ban it. The RSS has seen many people like him. Nothing is going to happen just because someone shouts about it,” Ashoka told media.
BJP State President B Y Vijayendra reminded Shivakumar that he had sung the RSS anthem ‘Namaste Sada Vatsale’ inside the Assembly but now he is showing his ‘true colours’.
“Your mask has been removed. If you have the courage, try to ban the RSS. Priyank Kharge, if you have such an obsession, I request you to ask the Chief Minister to give you the anti-RSS department,” Vijayendra told journalists.
