Govt will challenge stay order requiring prior permission to use public places, says CM Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: The government will challenge the High Court’s interim order staying an order requiring prior permission to use public places, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Tuesday.

The Opposition BJP welcomed the interim stay, hailing it as “protection of civil rights”.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said, “I’ve asked for an appeal to be filed before a division bench. We’ll appeal against the stay order by the Dharwad bench.” 

BJP state president BY Vijayendra described the High Court’s interim decision as an “embarrassment” to the Congress government.

“This government, at least now, should learn a lesson,” he said. “The Congress government’s order targeted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The court’s stay order is a tribute to the Constitution and democracy,” he said. 

BJP national general secretary CT Ravi said the Congress government’s order was “unconstitutional” and hailed the High Court for “upholding” the Constitution.

“The final order of the court will also be in line
with the Constitution,” he said.

“Is it a crime to imbibe nationalist sentiments, promote harmony and engage in character-building? Those opposing the RSS are prejudiced. They should come to a shakha and see for themselves,” he added.