The Karnataka Congress government has suspended a second state employee for participating in events organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), days after a similar action against a Panchayat Development Officer sparked a political confrontation between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP.

The latest suspension involves Pramod Kumar, who worked as an assistant cook at the Pre-Matric Boys’ Hostel in Basavakalyan, Bidar district, under the Backward Classes Welfare Department. Kumar, a contractual employee outsourced through the Bidar District Labour Services Multipurpose Cooperative Society, was relieved from his duties on 21 October 2025.

The action followed a complaint filed by Gagan Phule, president of the Committee for Protecting Democracy and a civil rights activist in Bidar, who objected to Kumar’s participation in an RSS route march. The complaint, filed on 20 October 2025 with the District Backward Classes Welfare Officer, triggered an internal inquiry.

During the investigation, authorities discovered a video of Kumar at the RSS event circulating on social media, along with a photograph he had shared on his WhatsApp status. The Taluk Backward Classes Welfare Officer, Basavakalyan, subsequently issued an official communication stating that since Kumar was employed in a government-funded institution, his participation in the activities of any organization was “prohibited under law.”

This incident comes just days after Praveen Kumar K.P., a Panchayat Development Officer from Sirwar taluk in Raichur district, was suspended for attending an RSS centenary event in Lingsugur on 12 October 2025. The suspension order, issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, cited violations of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which mandates that government employees maintain political neutrality and conduct consistent with the dignity of public service.

The back-to-back suspensions occur amid the state government’s recent introduction of rules requiring prior permission for all organizations, including the RSS, to hold public events. This move followed statements by Congress minister Priyank Kharge advocating restrictions on RSS activities in government spaces such as schools and colleges.

The suspensions have intensified the political debate in Karnataka, with the Congress government emphasizing the need for bureaucratic neutrality while the BJP accuses it of political vendetta. Both suspended employees will remain under suspension with subsistence allowance pending departmental inquiries into their conduct.

(Source: News18)

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Facing a political showdown, the Karnataka Congress government recently made prior permission mandatory for all events on government property. The order, issued on 19 October 2025, required organizations to apply for permits three days in advance.

The rule was immediately tested in Minister Priyank Kharge’s constituency, Chittapur, where the RSS and Bhim Army planned rival rallies. Local authorities denied the RSS permission, citing an incomplete application and potential law and order risks, a decision that also applied to the Bhim Army.

However, the Karnataka High Court intervened, allowing the RSS to hold its march on 2 November 2025. The court directed the group to submit a fresh application and instructed the state to consider it, emphasizing that all sentiments must be respected. This legal reprieve sets the stage for the contested event to proceed under judicial oversight.

Priyank Kharge’s Contradictory Stand Emerges

This firm stance on legal compliance contrasts sharply with Minister Kharge’s own recommendation regarding Case Crime No. 71/2019 at Chittapur Police Station. Official documents reveal that Kharge, along with other ministers, submitted a request to the Home Minister seeking withdrawal of this serious case.

The case details reveal a disturbing incident from August 11, 2019. Police officials, including complainant Nataraj Lade PSI of Chittapur Police Station, had intercepted a Bulero Pick-up (KA-20 C-2593) illegally transporting cows without safety measures near Diggamva Cross. The vehicle was brought to the police station and the cattle were secured.

According to the police report, when the Muslim community learned of the seizure, approximately 25-30 people gathered in front of Chittapur police station around 10:00 PM, demanding the release of the vehicle and cattle for Bakrid. Despite repeated instructions from 14 police officers to disperse, the mob turned violent.

The identified accused include Sheikh Moseen, Mahmuda Fayaz, Mahmuda Yusuf, Imran, Noor, Mahmuda Zakir, Mahmuda Wajid, Mujahid, Mahmada Khalil, Ikshal, Riyaz, Farooq, Baba Saudagara and 15-20 others. They allegedly pelted stones at DAR and police personnel, damaged police vehicles, and injured officers while demanding the release of the illegally transported cattle.

Despite the seriousness of the charges – which included sections 143, 147, 148, 353, 427, and 149 of the IPC – Minister Kharge recommended withdrawal of the case. The state cabinet subsequently approved withdrawing the prosecution, a decision that legal experts say potentially violates Supreme Court and High Court guidelines on case withdrawals.

The emergence of these details exposes Priyank Kharge’s hypocrisy as someone who frequently invokes constitutional principles while reportedly recommending the withdrawal of a case involving attack on police personnel protecting illegally transported cattle.

Priyank Kharge never misses a chance to lecture others about the Constitution and constitutional bodies. Yet, it was he who recommended the withdrawal of criminal cases against rioters who had attacked the Chittapur Police.

The case Crime No. 71/2019 at Chittapur Police Station… pic.twitter.com/B3LavuZDfd

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) October 20, 2025

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A panchayat development officer in Karnataka was suspended for attending a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary event, triggering a political clash between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP.

The officer, Praveen Kumar K.P., serving in Sirwar taluk of Raichur district, participated in an RSS route march in Lingsugur on 12 October 2025, wearing the organisation’s uniform and carrying a stick. The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department suspended him on Friday, citing violations of service conduct rules.

According to the suspension order issued by IAS officer Arundhati Chandrashekar, Kumar’s participation breached Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which requires government employees to maintain political neutrality, integrity, and conduct consistent with the dignity of public service. The order stated that his actions were “inconsistent with the standards expected of a public servant.” Kumar will remain under suspension with subsistence allowance pending a departmental inquiry.

The suspension comes days after the state government introduced rules requiring prior permission for all organisations, including the RSS, to hold public events. The move followed Minister Priyank Kharge’s call to restrict RSS activities in government spaces such as schools and colleges.

I have spoken to the officer suspended for taking part in RSS Pathsanchalan by the State Government.

Assured him that I will personally appear before the concerned tribunal and courts to challenge this illegal and unlawful suspension.

There are multiple judgements from across… pic.twitter.com/mQF8cKLLZm

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 18, 2025

It is noteworthy that in July 2024, the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party lifted a decades-old ban on government employees participating in activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The order shared by many political leaders from all political parties read, “The undersigned is directed to refer to the OM (office memorandum)..dated 30.11.1966, OM No. 7/4/70-Est.(B) dated 25.07.1970 and OM No. 15014/3(S)/80- Estt. (B) dated 28.10.1980 on the above subject. 2. The aforesaid instructions have been reviewed and it has been decided to remove the mention of Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh (R.S.S.S) from the impugned OMs dated 30.11.1966, 25.07.1970, and 28.10.1980.”

Echoes from A 1966 Judicial Verdict

The current suspension stands in stark contrast to a landmark 1966 judgment by the Mysore High Court in Ranganathachar Agnihotri v. State of Mysore. In that case, the court had ruled decisively in favor of a government servant’s right to RSS membership.

The 1966 case involved Mr. Agnihotri, who had secured the 14th rank in the Munsiff’s competitive examination but was denied appointment solely because he was “an active member and organiser of the local RSS unit.” The state government had then argued, much like its current position, that RSS’s tenets were “subversive and secretive and opposed to secularism.”

However, the High Court, after examining the RSS Constitution and various documents, found no evidence to support these allegations. Justice Sadasivayya, in his ruling, noted that the RSS was not a banned organization and its constitution expressly stated it had “no politics” and was devoted to “purely cultural work.”

The court categorically held that “mere membership of the RSS cannot make a person unsuitable for judicial service” and that “suitability must be judged on character and conduct, not on ideological association.” The judges directed the state to appoint Agnihotri as Munsiff, ruling that the government’s decision was based on “irrelevant considerations” and violated constitutional principles.

Contrasting Approaches

The 1966 judgment established several key principles that appear challenged by the current suspension:

Membership vs. Active Participation: While the current case involves active participation in uniform, the 1966 court made no distinction between mere membership and active organization, protecting both.

Evidence Requirement: The historic judgment required concrete evidence that an organization’s activities were unconstitutional, which the government failed to provide then and hasn’t addressed now.

Individual Conduct: The court emphasized that suitability must be determined by individual character and conduct rather than organizational affiliation.

Justice Sadasivayya observed that while the Government had the power to assess suitability, such discretion “cannot be formed arbitrarily but must rest on relevant considerations.” Since no adverse conduct or criminal antecedents were attributed to Agnihotri, the reliance on his alleged RSS association was deemed irrelevant.

The Court directed the State to appoint Agnihotri as Munsiff, placing him above respondents 2–8 in seniority, subject to medical fitness, and awarded costs of ₹200 against the Government.

While upholding the validity of Rule 4(2), the judgment clarified that the Government’s discretion under the rule must be exercised on relevant and objective grounds. The ruling established that association with a non-banned cultural body, without evidence of misconduct or anti-state activity, cannot by itself justify denial of appointment to a judicial office.

Ranganathachar Agnihotri v. State of Mysore (1966):

1. The State rejected the petitioner’s appointment because he was an active member of RSS, alleging it was “subversive, secretive and opposed to secularism.”
2. The Court found no evidence supporting these allegations.
3. RSS… pic.twitter.com/rVcDvHosrO

— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) October 21, 2025

(Source: NDTV)

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The Karnataka Congress government, on 19 October 2025, issued an order making prior permission compulsory for any event held on government property. The directive, issued by the Home Department on Saturday, comes after a state Cabinet decision to regulate the use of public spaces.

The order defines ‘government property’ broadly, encompassing any land, building, structure, road, park, playground, waterbody, or other immovable property owned and managed by a local authority, department, board, or corporation.

This comes amid Karnataka Congress Minister Priyank Kharge’s call to the state government to ban RSS activities in Karnataka.

As per the Government Order (GO), organisations seeking to hold events must apply to jurisdictional revenue and police officials at least three days in advance. The competent authority is required to dispose of the application at least one day before the scheduled event by issuing a written order, provided the applicant meets all requisitions and is given a reasonable opportunity for a hearing.

The order stated that any program or procession held in violation of these rules will be considered unlawful under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the local police are empowered to register a suo motu case. The government has noted that detailed guidelines for the use of public spaces will be issued by respective departments.

The implementation of this order came into immediate focus in Chittapur, Kalaburagi district, – Priyank Kharge’s constituency, where permissions for two proposed rallies were denied. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had planned a route march, and the Bhim Army had scheduled a counter-event for the same day.

The Chittapur tahsildar rejected the RSS’s application, citing that the organisation had not sought prior permission, failed to provide details on the number of attendees, and did not submit registration documents or information about ‘lathis and other weapons’. The rejection letter stated the application would be reviewed only if the sought details were furnished.

Shameful misuse of power!

In Priyank Kharge’s Chittapur constituency, police removed @RSSorg Path Sanchalan banners even after official permission & ₹6,000 payment to City Municipality.

Is this democracy or dictatorship? #AbuseOfPower #PriyankKharge #RSS@friendsofrss pic.twitter.com/zGVI4wy1HY

— Mohan Gowda (@Mohan_HJS) October 18, 2025

A police report highlighted that simultaneous rallies by the RSS, Bhim Army, and another group, the Bharatiya Dalit Panther, could lead to clashes and disturb public peace. The report also noted heightened tensions in Chittapur following a recent incident where an RSS activist allegedly verbally abused and issued a death threat to Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge, who represents the constituency. Earlier, the installation of saffron flags and banners for the RSS event had also sparked tensions, leading authorities to conduct a clearance drive citing lack of permission.

Court Permits RSS Pathasanchalan

In a subsequent legal development, the Karnataka High Court allowed the RSS to hold its route march in Chittapur on 2 November 2025. The court was hearing a petition filed by Ashok Patil, convenor of RSS Kalaburagi, who challenged the authorities’ inaction on the original application for a Sunday event.

During the hearing, Justice MGS Kamal observed that everyone’s sentiments must be respected and questioned the state government on its plans to accommodate the event. The petitioner’s counsel argued that all official queries had been answered and pointed out that similar processions were conducted peacefully elsewhere in the state.

The petitioner agreed to hold the event on the new date. The High Court directed the petitioner to submit a fresh application with all required details to the Deputy Commissioner of Kalaburagi and asked the authorities to consider it and file a report before the next hearing on 24 October 2025. The court also noted that other organisations, including the Bhim Army and Bharatiya Dalit Panther, were similarly denied permission for their rallies.

(Source: NDTV & Indian Express)

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On Monday, October 16 the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu state government to give permission to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to carry out its procession march. Justice G Jayachandran, a single-judge bench, noted that the state government had acted against the secular and constitutional principles.

The writ petition was initiated by an RSS member named S Raja Desingu, who was seeking permission to conduct a procession, complete with their distinctive uniform (comprising dark olive brown trousers, white shirt, cap, belt, and black shoes), led by a musical band. This procession was to take place from the vicinity of the Vazhappady bus stand to Cuddalore Road via various streets, including Sadiayappa Gounder Street, Thammampatty Road, Nallathambi Gounder Street, Vathi Padiayatchi Street, Ayya Gounder Street, and Paruthi Mandi on October 29, 2023, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Following the procession, a public meeting was to be conducted.

The RSS was represented by Senior Counsel G Rajagopalan in this case, while Advocate General R Shanmuga Sundaram, Government Advocate S Santhosh, and Ms. Shakeena represented the state government. State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah appeared on behalf of the Director General of Police for Tamil Nadu and other police officials responsible for the areas where the RSS sought permission for the route march.

The court in its ruling said, “Considering the questionnaires and the reason stated by the State Administration for rejecting the representations, it is broadly on the ground that, (i). There are Mosques and Churches in the procession route. (ii). There is a possibility of traffic congestion since there are narrow roads. At the same time, the procession on the National Highway road is also shown as a reason for rejection. (iii). In one of the rejection orders, it is stated that the applicant has not disclosed the existence of the Dravidar Kazhagam Office in the procession route.”

The honorable Madras High Court further observed, “Invariably, in almost all the rejection orders, the requests made by the V.C.K. Party and Thamizhar Vazhvurimai Kazhagam, to conduct meeting and procession during the said period is also shown as one of the reasons for rejection. Some of the earlier untoward incidents leading to the registration of criminal cases are also mentioned. The chart provided by the learned Advocate General, which was annexed to the judgment, are lame reasons, to say the least. The State to circumvent or defy the mandate of the Hon’ble Supreme Court order to deny permission to the Organization to conduct a rally democratically had listed out reasons and it only exposes the inability of the State machinery.”

The court further strongly observed that the Tamil Nadu state government is willfully opposing the RSS route march. The court observed, “The rejection order passed subsequently clearly shows that the State has no intention to permit this Organization to conduct the Rally on 22.10.2023 or 29.10.2023. The reasons stated in their rejection order are not pertinent to the inconvenience of the State to provide protection particular date or time but on the general reasons which will always be in existence at all point in the entire 365 days of the year.”

The court further said, “In a few of the rejection orders, it is stated that Devar Jayanthi is to be conducted on 30.10.2023, therefore, mobilization of the Force to the Southern part of the State is required. Whereas, in the Writ Petitions, this Court finds the Organizers of RSS from the Southern District had sought permission to conduct Procession/meeting only on 22.10.2023, which is about 8 days earlier than the Devar Jayanthi. Hence, this reason does not appear to be genuine or reasonable.”

Justice G. Jayachandran’s bench deemed the justifications presented by the Advocate General on behalf of the state as “lame”.

“The chart provided by the learned Advocate General, which annexed to the judgment, are lame reasons to say the least. The State to circumvent or defy the mandate of Hon’ble Supreme Court order to deny permission to the Organization to conduct rally in a democratic manner had listed out reasons and it only exposes the inability of the State machinery“, the Court held in the Judgment.

The Court further declared that the State’s rejection orders did not align with the principles of secular and democratic governance.

Specifically, the Court addressed the DMK government’s objection concerning the presence of Mosques and Churches along the procession route, stating, “The rejection of the RSS’s procession and public meeting request based on the existence of these structures, places of worship of different religions, or offices of organizations with differing ideologies is inconsistent with the fundamental principle of Secularism, upon which the Indian Constitution is built.”

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