The Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal has stayed the suspension of a government teacher who attended a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) function, ruling that the organisation is non-political and that no state rules prohibit officials from participating in its events.

“In the instant case, the alleged act of the applicant was that he was participated in an event organized by a association. When he participated in the event organized by a non-political party, the act of the applicant did not violate the conditions stipulated under Rule 5 of the Conduct Rules, 2021 referred to supra. Further, the State Government has not issued any order or notification prohibiting any Government Official from participating in such an event,” the Tribunal said.

The case arose when the applicant, an assistant teacher at Hunasagi's Government Girls High School, was suspended pending an enquiry. The government alleged that the applicant's participation in the activities of RSS amounted to misconduct as contemplated under Rules 3(1)(2)(3) and 5(1) and 7 of Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.

Referring to Rule 5 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021— which bars a government servant from taking membership of a political party or any organisation which takes part in politics, or participating in any political movement or activity— the Tribunal said that whent he petitioner participated in the event organized by a non-political party, the act of the applicant did not violate the Conduct Rules, 2021. 

The Tribunal stayed the suspension order till the next hearing.

Case: Sri Gururaj v State of Karnataka & others

APPLICATION NUMBER 20425 OF 2026

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