The Karnataka government has proposed a new law to regulate the use of government premises and public property, introducing stricter rules for processions, meetings, assemblies, celebrations and other activities held in public spaces. The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, makes prior written permission mandatory for a wide range of activities conducted on government or public property.

The proposed legislation comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over public marches. Last month, the state government made it mandatory for the RSS to obtain permission before conducting public marches. The organisation subsequently approached the Karnataka High Court, challenging the government's move.

The proposed Bill gives a broad definition of public property. It includes government land and buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies and other properties controlled or maintained by the government, authorities or local bodies. This could bring a wide range of public spaces under the proposed permission framework.

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Under the draft law, organisers would need to obtain written approval before holding processions, meetings, assemblies, functions, celebrations, events, training programmes or similar activities on such premises. The proposal also seeks to regulate the conditions under which permission can be granted, including restrictions concerning slogans and other aspects of public events.

The legislation proposes strict consequences for violations, including imprisonment of up to three years and financial penalties. The government argues that regulating the use of public property is necessary to ensure that such spaces are used in an orderly manner and that public activities do not cause disruption or create law-and-order concerns.

The proposed legislation could become another point of confrontation between the Karnataka government and the RSS, particularly given the organisation's ongoing legal challenge over permission requirements for marches. If enacted, the law would provide a broader statutory framework governing public gatherings and activities on government-controlled property across Karnataka.

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