Karnataka High Court Stays Installation of Parashurama Statue in Coastal Zone Pending Clearances

The Karnataka High Court has put a temporary stay on the installation of a Parashurama (a mythological warrior-sage) statue in Karkala, citing the need to examine legal permissions and environmental impact. 

The order came on petitions alleging violations of coastal regulation zone norms and lack of public consultation.

Petitioners argued that neglecting or restricting the installation, maintenance, and worship of the statue infringes the fundamental right to freely practice religion.

The Court clarified that the stay is interim and meant to ensure compliance with environmental laws and procedural safeguards before any final decision on the project.

[Uday Shetty Muniyal v State of Karnataka & Others]