The Karnataka High Court on Friday (August 14) quashed the police's refusal to permit a torchlight march proposed by Hindu Jagarana Vedike in Mysuru, observing that citizens cannot be prevented from celebrating Independence Day over apprehensions of communal tension. [2026 LiveLaw(Kar) 295]

The single judge bench of Justice Suraj Govindaraj directed the authorities to permit the organisation to conduct its 'Akhanda Bharatha Sankalpa Diwas' torchlight march from RMC Ganesha Temple to Doddagadiyara Circle in Mysuru between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM on August 14.

“…Independence Day is required to be celebrated by every citizen of India. Such being the case, the Independence Day is being proposed to be celebrated, there cannot be any issues raised as regards communal tension or otherwise… The last submission made by AAG is that as regards to some of the organising members, FIRs and chargesheets are filed, and there is a possibility of them involving in unlawful activities which could disturb public peace. Merely because chargesheets have been filed against certain persons does not mean they cannot be allowed to participate in Independence Day celebrations…”, the court observed.

The court noted that with only 100 persons participating in a 4 km walk, the question of impeding traffic flow could not be accepted. The procession, being a moving one and not stationary at any place, would have minimal adverse impact, the court noted further in the order.

Moreover, the procession shall be conducted in an orderly manner with only 5 people in each row so that the rest of the road is available for easy flow, the court laid down in unequivocal terms.

“…Sr. Counsel Aruna Shyam appearing for the petitioners has submitted that organisers would take all responsibility with respect to the said procession and ensure that no untoward incident takes place. A memo has been filed on 12.08.2026 giving details of nine organisers who would be responsible for making sure that the procession would be conducted in a peaceful manner. Along with the same memo, Aadhar cards of organisers are also produced providing details of their addresses etc which should always be available with respondent authorities in the event of any action to be taken, as Sr. Counsel Aruna Shyam submitted, in the unlikely possibility of an untoward event happening”, the court clarified.

Therefore, opining that 'all citizens would be required to celebrate Independence Day and nobody ought to be prevented from celebrating Independence Day', the court quashed the police's endorsement denying permission for the March and directed the authorities to act on the operative portion of the order.

However, the court has underscored that the current order does not, in any manner, permit any stage program, as proposed by the petitioners at the Anjaneya Swami Devasthana. If the petitioners have obtained necessary permission for such program, they would be entitled to conduct it, as they have contended that it is nearby the final check point at Doddagadiyara Circle, the court added.

The Court further asked the AAG to communicate its order to the respondent authorities, by email or telephone.

When the matter was taken up today, AAG Bhanu Prakash for the state contended that that the procession would affect the movement of emergency vehicles and ambulances, besides causing traffic congestion. An alternative route was suggested as per the state. The AAG also alleged that the organisers were known anti-social elements, and also pointed out that banners for the event had been erected despite the petitioners not having received any permission from the court.

The court had earlier orally slammed the organisation for this, noting it indicated lack of control over their own people.

Senior Counsel Aruna Shyam, appearing for the petitioners submitted, “…It is my fundamental right to celebrate Independence Day," adding that the proposed route was a wide road with no congestion issues.

He also submitted on behalf of the organisation that the banners were erected by third parties and not by the organisers.

The petitioners offered to fully cooperate with any restrictions imposed by the court, and gave an undertaking to ensure no untoward incident takes place.

Context

The Karnataka High Court on August 13 had orally slammed Hindu Jagaran Vedike for allegedly putting up banners for the proposed march on Independence Day eve in Mysuru, despite not receiving any permission to conduct the event from the court as of yet.

The AGA alleged yesterday that the accused persons had criminal antecedents, and would go to railway stations, identify people, and attack them by alleging that they are Bangladeshis, as a form of vigilantism.

The AGA had further iterated that the proposed torchlight march would pass through the 'most sensitive area' in the 'whole of Mysuru', which could potentially incite communal violence in the wake of Independence Day.

Earlier, the court had orally remarked that it would impose strict liability on the organizers, warning that they would be held responsible for any incident arising therefrom.

The petitioners 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.

Case Title: Hindu Jagarana Vedike v. State of Karnataka

Case No: Writ Petition No. 25036 of 2026

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Kar) 295