'Can't Pass Blanket Orders Restraining Protests': Karnataka High Court In Plea To Prevent Observance Of 'Black Day' On Kannada Rajyotsava

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday disposed of a PIL seeking to restrain Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) from observing or publicizing 'black day' on Kannada Rajyotsava (November 01) in Belagavi or any other Kannada speaking region.

Reportedly, MES is a body which has sought the merger of Belagavi district in Karnataka with Maharashtra.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Poonacha disposed of the petition filed by one Mallappa Chayappa Aksharad, stating, “Blanket orders restraining persons for holding demonstrations or protests cannot be granted.” The Court added that MES can organise any protest/demonstration/rally, only after requisite permission is obtained from the concerned authorities.

It also recorded State's assurance that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that there is no breach of law and order on account of any protests on November 01, 2025.

“Needless to state that if any person indulges in any unlawful activity during the said rally, the state shall prosecute the said persons to the full extent,” the Court added.

The plea claimed that the proposed protest will disrupt public peace, infringing upon the rights of Kannada speaking citizens to peacefully observe their Stat's foundation day.

It sought a direction to the authorities to ensure a secure environment for Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations across the state, including the deployment of necessary law enforcement to prevent and control any unlawful gatherings or hostile demonstrations on November 1st, of every year.

Moreover, it sought a direction to formulate and enforce policies or guidelines that prohibit public observance of black day or any other divisive events on Kannada Rajyotsava in order to maintain harmony and uphold the state's cultural integrity.

Case Title: MALLAPPA CHAYAPPA AKSHARAD AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 29267/2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 338

Appearance: Advocate Amruthesh N P for Petitioner.

AGA Niloufer Akbar for Respondent 1.