Karnataka court halts government order requiring permits for public gatherings over 10 people, citing constitutional rights.

The Karnataka High Court’s Dharwad bench has stayed a state order requiring prior permission for public gatherings of over 10 people, calling it an unconstitutional curb on free speech and assembly. The October 18 directive, challenged by Punashthen Seva Sanstha, was alleged to target RSS activities. The court questioned the state’s authority to issue such an order when existing laws already regulate assemblies. The stay will remain until the next hearing on November 17, with notices sent to state officials.