Karnataka Bill Regulating Use of Public Property Not Tabled in Monsoon Session

The Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property Bill, 2026, which was widely expected to be introduced during the Monsoon Session of the state legislature in Bengaluru, did not make it to the floor before the session concluded.

The legislative session was adjourned sine die on Monday evening, preventing the draft legislation from being presented to lawmakers.

The state Cabinet had earlier granted clearance to the Bill to regulate the activities of private organisations and individuals in public spaces. This legislative move followed the Karnataka High Court striking down a previous Government Order issued on the matter.

According to sources, after the Cabinet's approval, the draft legislation was forwarded to the Law Department to incorporate revisions following suggestions raised during Cabinet discussions. The revised draft was expected to be finalized by Tuesday, but the legislature was brought to a close a day earlier on Monday evening.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and several Cabinet Ministers had defended the proposed legislation, maintaining that the measure was not aimed against any specific individual or organisation. Politically, however, the Bill was perceived as an effort to restrict the activities of the RSS on government-owned premises.