Karkala: The Karnataka High Court has transferred the matter concerning the reinstallation of the 33-foot Parashurama statue atop Umikal hill in Karkala taluk to the State government, directing the authorities to consider an appeal seeking its reconstruction and reinstallation.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice T.P. Vivekananda passed the direction while hearing a petition filed by Udaya Shetty Muniyalu of Varanga village in Udupi taluk. Advocate V.K. Srikanth appeared for the petitioner.
High Court directs government to consider appeal
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that an appeal had already been submitted to the State government and the Tourism Department seeking the reinstallation of the statue.
The Bench observed that the matter primarily involved factual aspects and said it was for the government to take an appropriate decision on the appeal submitted by the petitioner on July 24, 2025.
The High Court disposed of the petition and directed the government to issue notice to Udupi Nirmiti Kendra and hear its side before taking a decision on the appeal.
The direction means the immediate decision on whether the statue should be reconstructed and reinstalled now rests with the State government and the concerned authorities.
Parashurama statue was inaugurated in 2023
The 33-foot-tall Parashurama statue was inaugurated at Umikal hill in Karkala on January 27, 2023. The statue formed part of the Parashurama Theme Park project and was presented as a major attraction linked to the cultural and heritage identity of the coastal region.
However, questions were later raised over the material used to construct the statue. Allegations surfaced that a brass statue had been unveiled instead of a bronze statue.
The controversy subsequently led to legal and administrative proceedings concerning the statue and the wider theme park project.
Authorities later removed the statue, citing safety concerns, according to the report.
Petitioner seeks reconstruction and reinstallation
Following the removal, Udaya Shetty approached the High Court seeking directions for the statue to be reconstructed and reinstalled.
The petitioner sought the restoration of the statue citing the need to protect what he described as the religious sentiments and cultural heritage associated with Parashurama and coastal Karnataka.
The High Court, however, did not itself order the immediate reconstruction or reinstallation. Instead, it directed the State government to examine the appeal after following the required process, including hearing Udupi Nirmiti Kendra.
The latest order therefore shifts the next stage of the matter to the government.
Earlier controversy over statue material
The Parashurama statue project had attracted attention after allegations emerged regarding the material used for the statue. The original plan and public representation involved a bronze statue, while allegations later claimed that brass had been used.
The issue subsequently became part of a broader controversy surrounding the Parashurama Theme Park project at Karkala.
The High Court’s latest direction does not decide the allegations concerning the construction of the statue. Instead, it requires the State government to consider the petitioner’s appeal and hear the concerned agency before reaching a decision.
Government to take next decision
With the petition disposed of, the State government will now have to examine the appeal submitted by the petitioner. The government is also required to issue notice to Udupi Nirmiti Kendra and consider its response.
The development puts the focus back on the State government and the Tourism Department, which will have to assess the factual and administrative aspects of the request before deciding the next course of action.
The future of the Parashurama statue at Umikal hill will therefore depend on the government’s decision following the hearing process directed by the High Court.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court has not ordered the immediate reinstallation of the Parashurama statue but has directed the State government to consider the appeal seeking its reconstruction and reinstallation. The government must hear Udupi Nirmiti Kendra before taking a decision on the matter.