Karnataka Administrative Tribunal stays suspension of teacher for attending RSS event, calls it non-political

In a significant interim order, the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal has stayed the suspension of a government school teacher who participated in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) function, holding that the organisation is non-political and that no state conduct rule prohibits officials from attending such events.

The two-member bench, comprising Judicial Member Mr. S.Y. Watawati and Administrative Member Dr. Amita Prasad, was hearing an application filed by Sri Gururaj, an Assistant Teacher at the Government Girls High School in Hunasagi, Yadgiri district. He had been placed under suspension on August 20, 2026, pending an enquiry for allegedly violating the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021.

What Led to the Suspension?

The third respondent—the Deputy Director of School Education, Yadgiri—issued the impugned order, alleging that the applicant had participated in an RSS event on October 12, 2025 (a Sunday), thereby engaging in political activities. The order cited Rules 3(1)(2)(3), 5(1), and 7 of the Conduct Rules as grounds for the disciplinary action.

The teacher did not deny his presence at the RSS function but contended that his participation did not breach any rule since the event was organized by a non-political association.

The Conduct Rule in Focus

The Tribunal examined Rule 5 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which states:

“No Government Servant shall be a member of or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.”

It was also noted that Rule 7, cited in the suspension order, had been omitted by a notification way back in 1968—a fact the respondents had apparently overlooked.

Tribunal’s Key Observations

In its order, the Tribunal made two crucial findings. First, the RSS function was an event organised by a non-political party, and therefore the teacher’s attendance did not violate Rule 5. Second, the State Government had not issued any specific order or notification barring government officials from participating in such events.

“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,” the bench observed.

It further stated that even if the government intended to restrict such participation, it would need to follow the procedure under Rule 10(3) of the Karnataka Civil Services (CCA) Rules, 1957—which was not done in this case.

Interim Relief Granted

Finding that the applicant had made out a prima facie case, the Tribunal stayed the suspension order until the next hearing. The case is now posted for reply on October 9, 2026.

The ruling reaffirms that participation in events of non-political organisations does not automatically amount to misconduct under the Conduct Rules, and that disciplinary authorities must have a clear legal basis—including any specific government directive—before placing a government servant under suspension.