Change Of Name Of City Or Ward Cannot Be Subject Matter Of PIL: Karnataka High Court

A division bench of Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind dismissed the petition filed by Satyalaxmi Rao and others. It said, “Subject matter of change of name of ward or City cannot be formed part of agitation in a public interest litigation, no public interest is made out to grant any relief to petitioner.”

The petitioner had sought setting aside the notification issued by the Urban Development Department dated 25-09-2023. It was said “The name Basavanagundi has historical and cultural importance and it is a matter of pride for the residents that the ward belongs to the renowned persons.”

Refusing relief, the Court noted that as per the notification, authorities have changed names of several wards in Bengaluru. The notification further reveals that the delimitation process of changing the boundaries of the wards in the city is underway.

Following which the court summarily dismissed the petition.

Case Title: Satyalaxmi Rao & Others AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: WP 17145/2024

Citation No: 2024 Live Law (Kar) 360