Calls for either scrapping reservation or extending it to all communities
Mysuru: Former Karnataka Lokayukta and retired Supreme Court Judge Justice N. Santosh Hegde has reiterated his demand for scrapping the reservation system, which, according to him, is now largely benefiting financially stronger sections rather than those who genuinely deserve its benefits.
Justice Hegde was addressing students after inaugurating a one-day seminar on ‘Women’s Reservation in General Elections,’ organised by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru taluk unit, in association with Government Maharani’s Arts College for Women, followed by an interaction with students, this morning.
“Presently, the benefits of reservation are being exploited by 80 percent of judges, industrialists, IAS officers and others who are financially well-off. Even though Article 14 of the Indian Constitution advocates equality before the law, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar strongly argued for granting reservation to depressed classes for a period of at least 10 years. However, it continues to this day, spanning more than 70 years,” Justice Hegde said.
Elaborating further, Justice Hegde said, ironically, students who pursue their studies under streetlights and are truly deserving are entitled to only a two per cent quota, while those who are financially strong enjoy more benefits under the reservation system.
“Hence, reservation has become the preserve of the elite, creating disparity in society. To maintain peace and harmony, either the reservation system should be removed or extended to all communities,” argued Justice Hegde.
It is only in India and Pakistan that reservation exists, he said. Instead of providing reservation, better economic schemes should be devised to benefit communities. Unfortunately, successive Governments have not taken the issue seriously, he rued.
KPSC jobs, bribery…
Taking a dig at how those who grease the palms of people in positions of power are rewarded with plum Government jobs, Justice Hegde referred to the alleged irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitments.
“An Assistant Engineer recruited through the KPSC had to pay a Rs. 70 lakh bribe. It would be appropriate if bribery were made a law for securing any job,” said Hegde in a mocking tone, underlining the extent to which corruption has spiralled out of control.
Dr. S. Kavyashree, Asst. Prof. Political Science, Government Maharani’s Arts College for Women, presented her views on topic.
Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda, Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Maddikere Gopal and senior journalist Amshi Prasanna Kumar were chief guests.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat Mysuru Taluk President A.C. Manjunath, Vice-Presidents of Mysuru District Kannada Sahitya Parishat Jakir Hussain and Diary Venkatesh and Principal Prof. M.S. Anitha were present.
This post was published on August 11, 2026 7:30 pm