1. The petitioners are residents of Belle and Kattingeri Villages in the District of Udupi. The petitioners claim to be public spirited citizens engaged in public service and they are before this Court espousing a cause, which according to them is of general public interest.

2. The petitioners are aggrieved that Belle Gram Panchayat which was hitherto within the jurisdiction of Udupi Taluk, is now brought under the newly constituted Kapu Taluk. It is contended that Belle and Kattingeri were very well connected to Udupi and therefore the residents did not want to be brought under the newly formed Kapu Taluk. It is stated that a Taluk Agitation Committee was formed by the residents of Belle Gram Panchayat, to voice the opinion of the residents of the two villages. It is stated that memorandums were given to the concerned Deputy Commissioner and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, demanding non-exclusion of the two Villages from Udupi Taluk.

3. It is further contended that inspite of the agitation and repeated requests, by issuance of the impugned notification dated 18.01.2018, the State Government has removed the two Villages from the jurisdiction of Udupi Taluk and include