For over half a decade, Dr. Subramanian Swamy—economist, politician, and constitutional scholar—has been a vocal champion of the Kodava people’s demand for geopolitical autonomy within Karnataka. Known for his unrelenting pursuit of justice through India’s legal system, Dr. Swamy has taken up the cause of the indigenous Codava community, whose distinct cultural identity and historical legacy have fueled a decades-long struggle for self-governance. His latest appearance in the Karnataka High Court on March 11, 2025, marks a significant chapter in this ongoing battle, reflecting both his tenacity and the complexities of federalism in India.
Roots of the Struggle: The Codava Identity
The Kodava people, native to the hilly region of Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka, trace their history as a distinct entity back to the pre-independence era. Until 1956, Coorg existed as a Part ‘C’ State under the Indian Constitution, with its own legislative council. The State Reorganization Act of that year merged Coorg into the larger state of Karnataka (then Vishala Mysore), a decision that many Codavas argue erased their unique political and cultural standing. Since then, the Codava National Council (CNC), led by figures like N. U. Nachappa Codava, has spearheaded a movement for autonomy, seeking constitutional recognition akin to that granted to regions under the Sixth Schedule, which provides for autonomous councils in India’s Northeast and beyond.
Dr. Swamy’s involvement stems from a shared conviction that the Codavas’ aspirations have been unjustly sidelined. Dr. Swamy’s advocacy is rooted in his broader vision of protecting India’s diverse sub-identities within a federal framework. His engagement with the cause began gaining prominence in 2017, when he attended the 27th Codava National Day in Madikeri, promising to secure autonomy for Kodagu while keeping it part of Karnataka. “Smaller states are better governed,” he declared, citing examples like Telangana and Uttarakhand, though he emphasized autonomy over separation.
The Legal Front Opens: PILs and Promises
Dr. Swamy’s legal fight took concrete shape in 2023, when he filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court, titled DR SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY vs STATE OF KARNATAKA & OTHERS (Writ Petition 7769/2023). The PIL sought the formation of a commission to examine the CNC’s demand for Codava autonomy, arguing that the community’s history and culture warranted constitutional protection. On April 17, 2023, a division bench led by Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale issued notices to the Karnataka and Union governments, signaling the court’s willingness to engage with the issue.
The 2023 PIL built on Dr. Swamy’s earlier assurances. In 2018, he reportedly discussed the idea of a Codava Autonomous Region with then-BJP leader H. N. Ananth Kumar in the presence of Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. In 2019, he wrote to Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa, urging action on the demand. These political overtures, however, yielded little progress, prompting Dr. Swamy to turn to the judiciary—a familiar arena where he has challenged everything from corruption to citizenship laws.
Latest Developments: March 11, 2025 Hearing
The most recent milestone in this saga unfolded on March 11, 2025, when Dr. Swamy appeared before the Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru as a party-in-person for the PIL titled “WP on Codavaland Geo-Political Autonomy.” The hearing, presided over by Chief Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice M. I. Arun, saw Swamy request that the case be listed for further proceedings, noting that pleadings from most parties—including the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Union Ministry of Law, and the State of Karnataka—were complete. The court acceded, scheduling additional hearings, though no specific date has been publicly confirmed as of March 12, 2025.
Supported by a legal team including Kieran Narayan, Satya Sabharwal, and others, Dr. Swamy’s appearance was bolstered by the presence of CNC chairman N. U. Nachappa Codava and members of the Virat Hindustan Sangham (VHS), a nationalist organization aligned with his efforts. The courtroom scene underscored the grassroots support for the cause, with Codava community members like Rekha Nachappa and Pattamada Kusha in attendance, alongside VHS figures like Jagdish Shetty.
The PIL seeks a constitutional framework for Codava autonomy, potentially under the Sixth Schedule, which currently governs autonomous councils in Assam, Meghalaya, and Ladakh, among others. Dr. Swamy has argued that Kodagu’s historical status as a separate state and its ethno-cultural distinctiveness justify such a measure. The case’s progression hinges on whether the court will direct the establishment of a commission—a step Dr. Swamy insists should operate under judicial oversight.
Looking Ahead: A Test of Will and Law
As of March 12, 2025, the Karnataka High Court case remains a live wire. The next hearings will likely test the legal merits of Dr. Swamy’s arguments and the willingness of both state and central governments to engage with the Codava demand. For now, the Codava people wait, their hopes pinned on a courtroom battle led by an unlikely yet formidable ally.
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