Justice Kowdoor Sadananda Hegde, known as K.S Hegde, was a distinguished Indian jurist, politician, and social reformer, known for his contributions to the judiciary, legislative governance, and education.
Early Life and Education
K.S Hegde was born on 9th June 1909 in Kowdoor Village. He pursued his early education at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, and Presidency College, Madras. He obtained a degree in Law from Madras Law College and commenced practice at Karkala in 1935. Later, in 1940, he shifted to Mangalore and continued his legal practice.
Legal Career
In 1947, Hegde was appointed as the Government Pleader and Public Prosecutor, a role in which he demonstrated his legal expertise and dedication to public service.
Political and International Career
Hegde was elected as a Member of the Rajya Sabha in 1952, where he contributed to legislative discussions and policy-making at the national level. In 1954, he was a member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations, representing India’s interests and engaging in international diplomacy.
Judicial Career
Justice K. S. Hegde’s judicial career began with his appointment as a judge of the Mysore High Court in 1954. Later, in November 1956, he shifted to Bangalore and was appointed as a judge of the High Court on August 26, 1957. He was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the newly formed High Court of Delhi and Himachal Pradesh on October 31, 1966. His profound legal acumen and integrity led to his elevation as a judge of the Supreme Court of India in 1967. During his tenure at the Supreme Court, he was known for his fair and insightful judgments that contributed significantly to Indian jurisprudence.
Later Political Career
After retiring from the Supreme Court in 1973, Hegde entered politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Bangalore South constituency in 1977, representing the Janata Party. He was subsequently elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament, serving from 1977 to 1980. His tenure as Speaker was marked by impartiality and efforts to strengthen parliamentary democracy.
Contribution towards education
Justice K. S. Hegde’s commitment to social welfare extended beyond his judicial and political careers. He founded the Nitte Education Trust in 1979, aimed at providing quality education and healthcare to rural areas. The Trust has since grown to include numerous institutions offering education in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, management, and more.
Personal Life
Hegde was married to Meenakshi Hegde, and they had 6 children who have carried forward his legacy of service and education. His life was a blend of professional excellence and personal humility, reflecting his deep commitment to societal development.
Legacy and Recognition
Justice K. S. Hegde passed away on May 24, 1990, but his legacy continues through the institutions he established and the values he upheld. His contributions to law, politics, and education have left an indelible mark on Indian society. The Nitte University, named in his honor, stands as a testament to his enduring vision and commitment to education and social service.