The Karnataka High Court recently sought the State government's response to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition challenging the proposal to shift a First Additional Civil and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court from Udupi to Brahmavar.

The plea was filed by the Udupi Bar Association through its president, Reynold Praveen Kumar. The petitioner recounted that the State's Law Department has already approved the establishment of a new, independent court complex at Brahmavar, aimed at easing the burden on the Udupi courts in 2022.

However, instead of implementing that decision, authorities decided to shift the existing First Additional Civil and JMFC Court from Udupi to Brahmavar. The petitioner has contended that this would effectively deprive Udupi residents of a crucial judicial facility.

The Bar Association has argued that the move is arbitrary and contrary to the original government proposal, adding that it would inconvenience both litigants and lawyers who depend on the existing Udupi court for civil and criminal matters.

After hearing preliminary arguments, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Poonacha on October 16 sought the State's response in the matter.

The Court has issued notice to the High Court's Registrar General, the State government's law department, and its finance department.

The matter will be heard next on January 9, 2026.