In a significant development, the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal (KAT) Bench at Kalaburagi has stayed the suspension of two government school teachers who were disciplined for allegedly attending an event organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).​The Bench granted the interim stay while hearing separate petitions filed by Gururaj Joshi and Annasaheb Deshmukh, who serve as government teachers in Kuppi and Hunsagi, respectively. The stay order will remain in effect until the next date of hearing on October 9, 2026.​On August 20, 2026, the Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI), Yadgir, C.S. Mudhol, placed both teachers under suspension, citing incidents that reportedly took place on October 10 and 12, 2025.​Invoking various provisions of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, the DDPI asserted that attending an RSS-organised function constituted a breach of conduct rules required of the State government employees.​In its ruling, the KAT observed that the event in question was organised by a non-political organisation, making participation non-violative of the stipulations framed under Rule 5 of the Conduct Rules, 2021.​Furthermore, the tribunal noted that the State government has issued no official notification or order specifically prohibiting government officials from participating in such events.​By halting the DDPI’s disciplinary action, the tribunal directed the State government and educational authorities to submit their reply statement. The matter is deferred to October 9, 2026.Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Mudhol said that he has just received the tribunal’s order and would discuss it with higher authorities for further action. Published - September 03, 2026 11:12 pm IST