The Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KSAT) at Kalburgi has stayed the suspension of a government school teacher who participated in a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event [Gururaj v. State of Karnataka].

A coram of Judicial Member SY Watawati and Administrative Member Dr Amita Prasad said that the school teacher had not violated the Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021 that prevents government servants from attending functions organised by political parties or by associations that participate in politics.

The Tribunal further held the applicant had not violated any State government order or notification that explicitly barred participation in events. It further held the RSS to be a non-political party.

"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 applicant was an assistant teacher at Government Girls High School, Hunasagi. On August 20, 2026, the Deputy Director of the Department of School Education, Yadgiri, placed him under suspension for having participated in RSS events and activities.

Gururaj did not dispute that he had participated in an RSS function, but contended that there was no bar on participation in a programme of a non-political organisation.

It also pointed out that Rule 7, which had been cited in the suspension order, had been omitted from the Conduct Rules since April 25, 1968.

Advocate MM Sangond appeared for Gururaj.

Additional Government Advocate Viranagouda M Biradar appeared for the State and Department of School Education.

[Read order]