A Resolution was passed by the Osmanabad Municipal Council on February 24, 2023, resolving to change the name of Osmanabad Municipal Council to Dharashiv Municipal Council.
Both the affidavits said the principal seat of the HC in Mumbai ought not to entertain the PILs against renaming of the two cities due to lack of territorial jurisdiction, adding the petitioners could have approached the Aurangabad bench of the HC.
In an affidavit in reply to a PIL in the HC challenging the February 24 decision, the government also denied allegations by the petitioners that the change of names was a politically motivated move aimed at hate mongering towards a certain community and undermining the spirit of secularism.