Overview
- The bench found the October 16 order lawful and proportionate, upholding the bar on entry from October 16 to December 14, 2025.
- The district acted under BNSS Section 163 after police flagged the seer’s abusive comments against Lingayat seers as a trigger for unrest.
- Protests erupted across multiple Karnataka districts with effigy burnings and formal complaints filed by Lingayat organisations.
- Officials said the urgent, ex parte order was issued because the seer planned to attend Punyatithi events in Basavana Bagewadi on October 16–17.
- BJP leaders, including MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and state president BY Vijayendra, denounced the ban, while Lingayat groups sought a wider, statewide restriction.