Young judge quits job to contest assembly election in Karnataka

KALABURAGI: Subhaschandra Rathod, 40, a judge of Gadag JMF court has joined the JD(S) and plans to contest from Chittapur assembly constituency.
Rathod said his larger intention was to bring electoral reforms. "The judiciary's role is in the last place after the legislature and executive in the democratic set-up. The judiciary just can interpret laws when affected approach the court. So, my wish was to become a lawmaker, who can bring social changes by framing laws. At the other end, as a judge, I can't fight against social menaces like corruption" he added.
Rathod served as the principal civil judge and JMFC Gadag since May 2022.
Earlier, he was posted as civil judge and JMFC, Chittapur, for four years.
He had tendered his resignation in November 2022 and was relieved on January 18. "Being a judge, I actively coordinated with the government to help the poor by holding legal awareness programmes in Chittapur. I did not sit at home even during the Covid pandemic. Seeing my work, commoners themselves suggested that I join politics. But I was not serious about it. When I was transferred to Gadag, the Chittapur people started visiting Gadag to seek my advice over their grievances. Seeing their support, I had to bow to their advice," he said.
When asked, he said his wife Chaitra, an MBA, and other family members suggested not to quit a secure job. "However, I convinced them saying there is big scope for lawmakers to serve society. In case of failure, I can work as an advocate," he said.
Regarding JD(S), he said he can't approach Delhi for a ticket.
"A regional party is needed in Karnataka and so I approached it. The JD(S)'s Pancharatna plan that imbibes the welfare state concept attracted me. It is an illusion that hefty money is needed for politics. I want to prove it false. In my case, the Chittapur people are spending for me," he said.
Hailing from Sankanal Tanda in Basavana Bagewadi taluk, Vijayapura district, Rathod pursued his education in government schools of Sankanal Tanda, Hunashyal, Dhavalagi, and a private school in Huvina Hipparagi.
He had to work as an agricultural labourer in the morning and evenings and weekends and on holidays to meet his family's needs. He was among migratory labourers working in Maharashtra.
He joined the JD(S) in Bengaluru on February 4.