GO on gatherings at public places: Karnataka HC division bench dismisses state's plea

Bengaluru: A division bench of the Karnataka High Court's Dharwad bench dismissed on Thursday an appeal filed by the state government challenging a single bench interim order which had stayed the operation of the GO that mandated prior permission for the gathering of more than 10 people on government-owned premises.

The division bench directed the state to approach the same single judge with a request to vacate the stay. "It is open for the appellants to file an application for vacating the interim order and if such an application is filed, we are sure that the single judge will consider the said application. All contentions are left open," the division bench said.

In its appeal, the government submitted that the GO was issued with a positive intent to protect government properties and it didn't affect the rights of citizens. It also said GO didn't prohibit public gatherings but only stipulated prior permission.

Though the GO doesn't specifically name any outfits, the provisions of the order are said to be aimed at curbing the activities of the RSS.