The Karnataka government has introduced a proposal for a new law aimed at regulating the use of government premises and public property. This legislation includes stringent provisions governing processions, meetings, events, and other activities conducted on public property. The move comes as part of efforts to ensure orderly conduct and management of public spaces.
The proposed law has a wide definition of public property, covering government land, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies and other properties controlled by the government, authorities or local bodies.
Last month, the Congress-led Karnataka government made it mandatory for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to take permission for public marches in the state. The RSS had filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court to challenge the move. The proposed law has a wide definition of public property, covering government land, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies and other properties controlled by the government, authorities or local bodies. Unauthorised use of government property will be treated as trespass under the proposed law. Authorities will have the power to inspect premises and, with police assistance, evict unauthorised occupants. If enacted, the legislation would significantly tighten regulations governing the use of government premises and public property across Karnataka, while imposing substantial criminal penalties for violations.
The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, accessed by NDTV, makes prior written permission mandatory for holding any procession, meeting, assembly, function, celebration, event, training or similar activity on government or public property.
