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Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Oct 24 (IANS) The Kalaburagi bench of the high court, represented by RDPR, IT and BT minister Priyank Kharge, will hear the petitions filed by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and five other organizations seeking permission to organize a padayatra in Chittapur town on November 2.
Earlier, the RSS had filed a petition challenging the denial of permission by the authorities to hold its Shatabdi Padayatra in Chittapur. The court had directed the RSS to submit a fresh application to the authorities seeking permission for November 2. Subsequently, Bhim Army, Dalit Panthers and Kuruba community organizations had also filed applications to organize processions and foot marches on the same day.
Karnataka State Farmers Union has filed a petition seeking permission from the Center to take out a procession demanding flood relief. The State Christian Welfare Society has also filed a petition seeking permission for the peace march. In its petition, the society said prayers are usually held on Sundays and the aim of the Shanti Padyatra is not to counter the RSS foot march but to promote awareness about peace among the people.
The High Court bench will hear the batch of petitions this afternoon.
The organizations have also submitted petitions to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarnum, who has sought the police department’s opinion in this regard.
Earlier, the RSS had planned to take out a foot march on October 19, but authorities refused permission citing law and order concerns. The RSS said that despite completing all the necessary procedures, permission was not granted and later approached the High Court.
This development is likely to spark controversy and the court’s decision is being closely monitored.
Following a letter from minister Priyank Kharge seeking a ban on RSS activities in public places, the Congress-led government enacted a law making it mandatory for all private organizations to obtain prior permission from authorities before organizing any activity in public or government-owned premises.
Responding to criticism of the RSS and alleged attempts to control it by the Congress-led government in Karnataka, the BJP said the RSS has the strength to face “hundreds of Priyank Kharges and Siddaramaiahs”.
–IANS
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