Latest news with #CodavaNationalCouncil
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CNC demands indigenous status for the community
Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) organised a peaceful satyagraha in front of the DC office in Madikeri, demanding indigenous status for the Kodava tribe. The silent protest was organised as part of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed annually on Aug 9. Adorning traditional attire, CNC members gathered in front of the DC office to demand various rights for the Kodava community. Speaking after the protest, CNC president NU Nachappa said, "The peaceful satyagraha is being organised continuously to draw the govt's attention to attain indigenous status for the Kodava tribe, who are deprived of their constitutional rights. Kodavas belong to the indigenous tribal community, the original inhabitants of this sacred Kodava land. Our historical continuity in this soil should be legally recognised. The Kodava habitat, Kodavaland, ancestral ancient lands, political-cultural rights, folk identity, sacred groves, and the sacred pilgrimage site of the Talacauvery should be constitutionally protected by the World Organisation under the rights of indigenous peoples as per international law." He demanded various rights for the community, including protection of Kodava land and ancestral sites, exemptions from Arms Act, inclusion of Kodava language under the 8th schedule of the Constitution, introduction of the Kodava language in the curriculum and administration, inclusion of Kodava folk culture in the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage, and SC tag for the community. Several other resolutions, including war memorials at Nalknad Palace and Madikeri Fort, were taken at the event. A memorandum addressed to the secretary general of the Unesco was handed over to the district administration. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CNC advises Kodavas to obtain ethnic certificate for gun exemption
M adikeri: The Codava National Council has advised Kodavas to obtain a Kodava ethnic certificate to secure a gun exemption certificate instead of relying on Jamma certificates. In a press statement, CNC president NU Nachappa suggested that an ethnic certificate will help protect the rights of the Kodava community. He said that a Kodava ethnic certificate will be helpful in safeguarding the rights of the Kodava community. An ethnic certificate will protect the gun exemption rights of the community as a religious ritual under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution. "A Kodava ethnic certificate is needed to maintain the integrity of the traditions and rights of the Kodava community. The ethnic certificate will strengthen the right to gun exemption without relying on the certificates of Jamma holders," he said. He stated that non-Kodavas must be prevented from using the gun exemption facility that can be claimed by purchasing Jamma land. He explained that the Kodava community's legal system and indigenous mono-ethnic identity should be strengthened. It should be ensured that eligible members of the Kodava community are receiving gun exemption certificates, he stated. He alleged that some individuals from outside the Kodava community purchased Jamma land in Bhagamandala and obtained gun license exemption certificates on the pretext of Jamma land exclusive ownership.
Hans India
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Seminar in Madikeri revives Codava demand for geo-political autonomy
A renewed call for Codava autonomy and tribal recognition resonated from the hills of Kodagu as the Codava National Council (CNC) organised a high-profile seminar near Madikeri, marking 35 years of the organisation's apolitical movement seeking constitutional and cultural safeguards for the Codava people. Delivering the keynote lecture, Supreme Court advocate and constitutional law expert Vikram Hegde underscored the community's long-standing demands, including geo-political autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Scheduled Tribe status, language inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, and protection of traditional land, cultural, and religious rights. Referring to the Codavas as an 'animistic, mono-ethnic group with deep-rooted ties to their ancestral lands,' Hegde noted that the community met several criteria under both domestic law and international conventions on indigenous peoples, particularly the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). He argued for a 'holistic and historically informed assessment' of the Codavas' demand for Scheduled Tribe classification. CNC President N.U. Nachappa Kodava, who presided over the seminar, reiterated the community's call for a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) within the Indian Union—akin to the Gorkha Hill Council or the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils. 'Our aspiration is not secession but dignity—through federal accommodation of our unique identity,' Nachappa said. Citing the dilution of Codava presence in Parliament since the 1967 election of C.M. Poonacha, the seminar highlighted how Kodagu's merger with Karnataka in 1956 eroded the political representation of the community. Hegde called for serious consideration of Constitutional mechanisms such as inclusion under the Fifth or Sixth Schedule or a new provision like Article 371 tailored for Kodagu. 'Asymmetric federalism is not alien to India—it is the framework by which we have protected many identities. Codavas, with their contributions to national defence and administration, deserve similar recognition,' he said. The seminar also addressed growing concerns over the application of general laws—such as the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Act and the SARFAESI Act—which threaten to undermine Codava religious freedom and land tenure. Senior Karnataka High Court advocate M.T. Nanaiah, supporting the CNC's legal initiatives, emphasised the community's peaceful advocacy over decades. 'Codavas have not resorted to agitation. They have used democratic and legal means. That alone deserves attention from the Centre,' he said.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Seminar in Madikeri Revives Codava Demand for Geo-Political Autonomy, Tribal Status, and Constitutional Recognition
Madikeri: A renewed call for Codava autonomy and tribal recognition resonated from the hills of Kodagu as the Codava National Council (CNC) organised a high-profile seminar near Madikeri, marking 35 years of the organisation's apolitical movement seeking constitutional and cultural safeguards for the Codava people. Delivering the keynote lecture, Supreme Court advocate and constitutional law expert Vikram Hegde underscored the community's long-standing demands, including geo-political autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, Scheduled Tribe status, language inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, and protection of traditional land, cultural, and religious rights. Referring to the Codavas as an 'animistic, mono-ethnic group with deep-rooted ties to their ancestral lands,' Hegde noted that the community met several criteria under both domestic law and international conventions on indigenous peoples, particularly the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). He argued for a 'holistic and historically informed assessment' of the Codavas' demand for Scheduled Tribe classification. CNC President N.U. Nachappa Kodava, who presided over the seminar, reiterated the community's call for a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) within the Indian Union—akin to the Gorkha Hill Council or the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils. 'Our aspiration is not secession but dignity—through federal accommodation of our unique identity,' Nachappa said. The CNC's multi-pronged demands include: Restoration of hereditary Jamma land rights; Recognition of Codava Thakk as a scheduled language; Protection of customary gun rights, granted under the Indian Arms Act since 1963; Reservation in legislatures akin to arrangements made for cultural minorities in other parts of the country; Exemption of religious and cultural sites from State intervention. Citing the dilution of Codava presence in Parliament since the 1967 election of C.M. Poonacha, the seminar highlighted how Kodagu's merger with Karnataka in 1956 eroded the political representation of the community. Hegde called for serious consideration of Constitutional mechanisms such as inclusion under the Fifth or Sixth Schedule or a new provision like Article 371 tailored for Kodagu. 'Asymmetric federalism is not alien to India—it is the framework by which we have protected many identities. Codavas, with their contributions to national defence and administration, deserve similar recognition,' he said. The seminar also addressed growing concerns over the application of general laws—such as the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions Act and the SARFAESI Act—which threaten to undermine Codava religious freedom and land tenure. Senior Karnataka High Court advocate M.T. Nanaiah, supporting the CNC's legal initiatives, emphasised the community's peaceful advocacy over decades. 'Codavas have not resorted to agitation. They have used democratic and legal means. That alone deserves attention from the Centre,' he said.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Codava meet on geo-political autonomy and tribal rights
Madikeri: In a significant push for regional autonomy and constitutional recognition, the Codava National Council (CNC) is set to organise a seminar on June 18 highlighting its 35-year-long peaceful movement for the political, cultural, and territorial rights of the Codava people. Speaking to Hans India President of the CNC NU Nachappa, the seminar will address CNC's core demands, including the creation of a Codava Autonomous Region (CAR) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution — akin to the autonomous councils in the Northeast and the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The organisation is also seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Codavas, whom it identifies as a distinct animistic, mono-ethnic indigenous community. The keynote speaker for the event is Vikram Hegde, a constitutional lawyer practising in the Supreme Court, who has previously represented the CNC in the landmark Codava Gun Rights case. His lecture will delve into constitutional provisions for regional autonomy, linguistic rights, and the protection of customary practices — subjects he also teaches as a visiting faculty at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. The CNC is currently pursuing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks legal recognition of Codavaland's claim for geo-political autonomy, arguing that their demands are both constitutionally viable and historically justified. Joining Hegde at the seminar will be his wife, Hima Lawrance, also a Supreme Court lawyer, qualified to practice in both India and New York. The event is expected to draw academics, legal experts, regional leaders, and community stakeholders from across Karnataka, as discussions around regional autonomy and tribal classification continue to gain traction in India's federal structure.
