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Devout Hindus cannot be stopped from speaking, citing the reason of earlier cases of crime

Karnataka High Court slams the police

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – The Karnataka High Court has ruled that police cannot bar Hindutva activists from speaking at public events solely based on past criminal cases. The order followed an incident in Belagavi where police had prevented two Hindutva leaders from addressing a meeting organised by the Hindu Sammelan Samiti to commemorate noted national personalities for their work in the national interest. After the Court’s intervention, permission was granted for them to speak.

The police cannot arbitrarily stop citizens from speaking at public meetings

Justice Lalitha Kanneganti stated, when the State government restricts fundamental rights of the citizens it must be supported by valid reasons and concrete evidence.

What is the issue ?

In a notice dated 22 January 2026, the police rejected a request submitted by the organisers on 13 January 2026 seeking permission for Kumari Harika Manjunath and Chakravarthy Sulibele to speak at a three-day conference on Sanatan Dharma.

The police stated that criminal cases are registered against the proposed speakers and that their presence could pose a law-and-order risk. According to the notice, seven cases are registered against Sulibele and one against Harika.

Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Arun Shyam argued that the police order runs contrary to the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. He contended that while the Act authorises the police to regulate public assemblies, it does not empower them to impose arbitrary ban. He further submitted that the action violates the principles of natural justice and infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India. The court was also informed that both speakers had participated in similar events in the past without any untoward incidents, contrary to the apprehensions expressed by the authorities.

On behalf of the State government, counsel submitted that the explanation offered by the petitioners would be considered and that further orders would be issued thereafter. The government maintained that its objective is solely to prevent any untoward incident. The court was also told that precautionary measures were deemed necessary in view of previous instances where the participation of the speakers allegedly led to law-and-order concerns.

 

Editorial Perspective

In Karnataka Congress-led government devout Hindus are being harassed, injustice is meted out to them. The ruling from the Court has come as a tight slap on the face of Congress government.

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