Karnataka Cabinet Approves Bill to Regulate Public Gatherings

The Karnataka Cabinet has cleared the Karnataka State Public Places and Access Regulation Bill, 2026, which mandates prior government approval for private events held on state property. This legislative move aims to regulate gatherings in public spaces and is intended to replace a previous executive order.

The bill applies to all organized events, explicitly including those conducted by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). However, the Karnataka government has stated that the legislation is not targeted at any specific organization or political party, but is a general regulation for all public gatherings.

The bill is set to be introduced during the ongoing legislative session for enactment. The government's approach underscores its effort to strengthen the regulation of public spaces, amidst discussions surrounding the implications for various organizations.