Holding a rally without permission? New Karnataka bill proposes jail term

Defending the bill, health minister and former speaker UT Khader said: “The Congress govt will never take a decision that harms the common man or goes against the Constitution and the law.”

BENGALURU: If you’re planning a protest march, political rally or even a large social gathering at a public space in Karnataka without prior permission from the govt, proposed new rules could put you behind bars.The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, likely to be tabled during the ongoing Monsoon session, proposes a common framework for using public spaces, with violations punishable by up to three years in jail and hefty fines.The proposed new rules will be applicable to political as well as non-political outfits.More significantly, violations would be cognisable and treated as non-bailable offences. This means a police officer of the rank of sub-inspector or above could arrest a person without a warrant for violating the proposed law.The bill defines a procession or protest march as an assembly of more than 10 people with a common objective, irrespective of whether music is involved.A first offence could attract up to two years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. Repeat offenders could face up to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. If the violation continues after conviction, an additional fine of up to Rs 5,000 a day could be imposed.The Bill does not cover every gathering. Unorganised gatherings and movements linked to education, sports, leisure and recreation are exempt. Wedding and funeral processions, for instance, would not come under its ambit.The govt has cited past incidents involving unauthorised mass gatherings, including accidents and stampede-like situations, to justify the need for a uniform law across Karnataka.The Bill also has provisions for an appeal against an administrative decision, with the divisional commissioner hearing such appeals within 30 days.

Striking a delicate balance

This is not the first attempt by the state to regulate the use of govt property for gatherings. An earlier order on similar lines was stayed by Karnataka high court, which observed that restrictions on peaceful assembly must have a legal basis.From that perspective, the proposed law must strike a delicate balance between regulating the use of public property and protecting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.Deputy leader of the opposition, Aravind Bellad of BJP, said public safety and preventing stampedes were legitimate concerns, but cautioned that sweeping regulatory powers must be exercised carefully to ensure they do not curb democratic assembly or legitimate civic protests.Political analyst Vihwas Shetty said the bill could alter the relationship between civil society and the state by criminalising unauthorised use of public property.While acknowledging that such laws are often intended to manage urban congestion and prevent stampedes, he warned that giving deputy commissioners and police greater gatekeeping powers could create hurdles for political mobilisation — including by governing Congress.Defending the bill, health minister and former speaker UT Khader said: “The Congress govt will never take a decision that harms the common man or goes against the Constitution and the law.”

Offence and penalties

Exemptions and unlawful activities