Bengaluru: In a development that has brought jubilation to the Codava community in Kodagu, the state government has officially ratified the use of the ‘Codava’ nomenclature, a victory achieved on the appeal of the Codava National Council (CNC), led by NU Nachappa.
NU Nachappa expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This marks the culmination of a prolonged legal battle, and it is indeed a triumph for the Codavas of Kodagu.”
The official notification issued by the state government on October 9, 2023, has now formally assigned ‘Codava’ as the classical nomenclature. The notification bears the reference vide-no order number 04 BCA 2021, Bengaluru, dated 09.10.2023.
The Codava National Council had persistently strived for the restoration of the ‘Codava’ classical nomenclature in lieu of the previously used ‘Codagaru’ in official documents. In response to CNC’s efforts, the Dr. C. S. Dwarakanath Commission recommended the adoption of the ‘Codava’ nomenclature.
The journey to this victory involved a legal battle initiated by CNC in 2015, which led to a Writ Petition (WP no-48624/2016(GM)) before the High Court. The High Court, after careful consideration, directed the government to implement the use of ‘Codava’ as the official nomenclature.
In a subsequent significant development, the High Court ruled in favor of the petitioner CNC, further affirming the restoration of ‘Codava’ nomenclature. When this ruling was not implemented as expected, CNC took legal action by filing a contempt petition.
Simultaneously, a CNC delegation, led by its Chairman N. U. Nachappa Codava, sought the assistance of Virajpet MLA A. S. Ponnanna to arrange a meeting with the Honorable Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on July 15, 2023. During this meeting, the Chief Minister provided assurance regarding the implementation of the High Court’s order.
Furthermore, the state cabinet issued recommendations twice in favour of restoring the classical ‘Codava’ nomenclature officially. This decision heralds the return of the ‘Codava’ nomenclature, replacing the previously used ‘Codagaru’. Nachappa conveyed this significant development to Verito.today