On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court rejected a public interest litigation that challenged the government's notification to change the name of the corporation ward from Basavanagudi to Doddaganapathi.

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 requested that the notification issued by the Urban Development Department on September 25, 2023, be annulled. They argued that the name Basavanagudi holds historical and cultural significance and is a source of pride for residents due to its association with renowned figures.

Denying the petitioner relief, the Court observed that the notification indicates a broader initiative, with authorities having changed the names of several wards in Bengaluru. The notification also reveals that the process of delimiting and altering the boundaries of the city's wards is currently in progress.

Following which the court summarily dismissed the petition.

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

Case No: WP 17145/2024