The Karnataka High Court Friday, August 14, 2026, allowed the Hindu Jagarana Vedike to conduct its ‘Akhanda Bharatha Sankalpa Diwas’ torchlight procession in Mysuru on the eve of Independence Day, while placing responsibility on the organisers to ensure that the march remains peaceful.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj directed the authorities to permit the procession from RMC Ganesha Temple to Doddagadiyara Circle between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on August 14, 2026.
Background of the Case
The petitioners had challenged the police decision refusing permission for the proposed procession. The State opposed the plea, citing concerns over traffic, movement of ambulances and the possibility of disturbance to public peace.
The State also pointed to criminal cases and chargesheets involving some organisers. It further raised concerns about banners allegedly being displayed before permission had been granted.
The organisers, however, assured the Court that they would comply with reasonable conditions and take responsibility for the peaceful conduct of the march.
Court's Observations
The High Court rejected the argument that the existence of criminal proceedings against some organisers, by itself, was sufficient to prevent them from participating in Independence Day celebrations.
The Court observed,
“Merely because proceedings have been filed against certain persons where chargesheets have been filed, it does not mean that those persons cannot be allowed to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.”
The Bench also considered the proposed route and the number of participants. It noted that around 100 persons were expected to participate in a procession covering approximately four kilometres.
The Court directed that participants should proceed in an orderly manner, with about five persons in each row, leaving adequate space for vehicular movement.
The Bench also cautioned the organisers over their responsibility.
“If anything goes wrong, you are responsible for it,” the Court told them.
The Court noted that nine organisers had been identified in a memo filed on August 12, along with their Aadhaar details, for ensuring peaceful conduct.
Decision
The High Court quashed the police endorsement refusing permission and allowed the torchlight procession to be conducted as proposed.
However, the Court clarified that its order did not grant permission for any stage programme. Such a programme could be held only if the organisers obtained the required permission from the competent authorities.
The Court accordingly directed the authorities to act on the operative portion of its order and permitted the procession subject to the conditions imposed.
Case Details:
Case Title: Hindu Jagarana Vedike & Another v. The Commissioner of Police & Another
Case Number: Writ Petition No. 25036 of 2026
Judge: Justice Suraj Govindaraj
Decision Date: August 14, 2026
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