Govt plans to introduce bill on public property in assembly

The Karnataka government is preparing to introduce a new bill during the ongoing Monsoon Session that will mandate prior written permission for any processions, meetings, assemblies, celebrations, or other organized activities held on government premises and public property. Officials announced on Friday that repeat violations of this law could result in up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD).

The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, which received state cabinet approval on August 13, explicitly includes route marches within the definition of processions. A procession is defined as a gathering of more than 10 individuals moving together with a shared objective, encompassing political, religious, and social assemblies.

This proposed legislation will apply to a wide range of public assets, including government land, buildings, roads, parks, playgrounds, water bodies, and community halls, as well as any property managed by government authorities or local bodies. Under the draft bill, organizers are required to submit their applications at least seven days before an event. They must provide comprehensive details such as the proposed route, the anticipated number of participants and vehicles, specific timings, and the names of five responsible individuals.

Authorities will have seven days to respond to applications; if no decision is communicated within this period, permission will be considered granted. However, applications can be rejected based on several factors, including concerns for public safety, maintaining law and order, ensuring communal harmony, managing traffic, preventing public inconvenience or nuisance, and protecting the intended use of the property. Any rejection must be accompanied by written reasons.

The bill also empowers authorities to impose specific conditions on events, covering aspects like timings, dispersal procedures, noise levels, participant numbers, and the prohibition of potentially harmful items such as weapons. Restrictions may also be placed on slogans that could offend or annoy other religious, political, social, linguistic, or cultural groups. Unauthorized use of government property will be treated as trespass, with authorities empowered to inspect premises and evict occupants with police assistance. First-time offenders face up to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to ₹5 lakh, while repeat offenses carry harsher penalties.

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It applies to me, to you and to the BJP as well. I do not understand what the problem is.