'Strict Liability If Anything Happens': Karnataka High Court Orally Remarks On Hindu Body's Plea To Allow Independence Day Torchlight March

Hindu Jagrana Vedike and its convener approached the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (August 11) seeking permission to conduct a torchlight march and stage a program in Mysuru city on the occasion of Independence Day despite opposition from the police.

The single judge bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj orally remarked that it would impose strict liability on the organizers, warning that they would be held responsible for any incident arising therefrom.

During the hearing the Court orally said:

“…Insofar as Independence Day is concerned, it can't hurt anybody that is simple….You will be responsible...give us the names of the people who will be responsible for anything. Anything that happens, you will be responsible. You will not take defence any. No defence will be allowed. Strict liability…”

Senior Counsel Aruna Shyam, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that holding a torchlight march on the eve of Independence is a simple celebration that 'can't hurt anybody'.

For context, the petitioners, Hindu Jagrana Vedike and its convener Vasanth Kumar A Y has approached the High Court challenging an endorsement dated August 6, 2026, issued by the Mandi Police Station, Mysuru, refusing permission for the proposed event.

The petitioners sought to conduct 'Akhanda Bharatha Sankalpa Diwas' through a torchlight march/walk and a stage program at Mysuru City. The event was scheduled on the evening of August 14, 2026 (Independence Day eve). The petitioners argued that since Independence was taken at midnight, it has become a tradition to celebrate it on the evening of August 14.

Shyam submitted, “Everywhere it is being celebrated like this…Only one condition - law and order problem - that won't be a problem at all. It would be a peaceful demonstration."

Meanwhile AGA Bhanu Prakash strongly opposed the petition and said, “…Petitioners have… cases against them, they are vigilantes. We have given permission only in non-sensitive areas...but this is the most sensitive area in the whole of Mysuru…”

When the petitioners indicated they wanted to hold a march of 2.5 km, the court orally expressed hesitation citing the location in Mysuru and the timing of the March.

“…if you want to hold a function at one location, no problem, but you want to do a march of 2.5 kms…”, the court orally said. Meanwhile the petitioner said that they will give a list of organizers and an undertaking. 

After hearing the matter for some time the court listed it for hearing on Wednesday. 

Case Title: Hindu Jagarana Vedike v. State of Karnataka

Case No: Writ Petition No. 25036 of 2026