Remembering K. Balagopal: A tireless voice for justice and humanity

By Palla Trinadha Rao 

K. Balagopal, the noted human rights activist, lawyer, and writer from Andhra Pradesh, passed away on October 8, 2009. Yet, his ideas and work continue to inspire generations of activists, lawyers, and citizens committed to upholding constitutional and human values in India. October 12, 2025 marked his 16th memorial meeting at Sundarayya Vignana Kendram, Bagh Lingampally, Hyderabad — a fitting moment recalling his life and legacy.

I had the privilege of working with him on issues concerning the rights of tribal communities. His deep sense of justice, empathy for the poor, and unwavering commitment to truth left a lasting impression on all who worked with him.

Balagopal was a powerful voice for the voiceless — particularly the adivasis of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Through his legal and policy advocacy, he challenged oppression and defended the rights of marginalised communities in courts and public discourse. Many may not know that several of his scholarly articles were published in the Economic and Political Weekly, offering profound insights into the social and political struggles of tribal and other disadvantaged people.

He needed no titles or recognition; his name alone symbolised integrity and courage. He consistently opposed all forms of violence — whether by the State or by non-State actors — and believed that human rights must begin with the protection of the right to life. His death left a deep void in the field of human rights and legal activism in the country.

Balagopal played a key role in securing justice for tribal communities under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. When a petition sought to stall its implementation, he successfully argued in the Andhra Pradesh High Court for the issuance of forest land titles to eligible forest dwellers, enabling them to claim forest rights over 9.81 lakh acres as of June 2025, covering both individual and community forest rights in Andhra Pradesh. He also took up cases highlighting the government’s failure to provide basic healthcare and safe drinking water in tribal areas, exposing how such neglect led to avoidable deaths every year.

He strongly supported the democratic opposition of adivasis to the Polavaram Project, which threatens to destroy their lives and identity. He defended several tribal families facing illegal land acquisition in East and West Godavari districts and secured stay orders protecting their lands. Through his legal interventions, thousands of acres of alienated tribal land were restored to their rightful tribal owners.

His advocacy led to landmark High Court judgments protecting tribal land rights. In 2003, he ensured that the legal principle of res judicata would not be misused to deny tribal claims. In 2008, he successfully argued that revenue officials had no authority to issue “protection orders” against tribals. His efforts also helped prevent non-tribals from illegally settling in Scheduled Areas — a judgment later upheld by the Supreme Court.

It may surprise many that Balagopal used to charge only Rs. 1,500 for filing a writ petition in the High Court, including court expenses. During public holidays, he could often be seen in the field, studying the problems faced by tribals and other marginalised sections, and suggesting practical ways to resolve their issues.

Balagopal also defended the special legal system of the Agency Courts in Scheduled Areas, ensuring that the judicial powers of revenue authorities remained intact for tribal justice. He stood firmly with displaced Gothi Koya families who fled Chhattisgarh and faced violent eviction by forest officials in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

K. Balagopal was a rare combination of intellect, compassion, and courage. He lived and worked for the oppressed, without personal gain or ambition. His commitment to human rights, justice, and equality remains a guiding light for all who believe in the power of the Constitution and the dignity of every human being.

His path continues to inspire many activists to carry forward his work. New generations have joined this movement, walking together on the path he laid — to uphold human values and to realise his belief that every human being has equal worth, neither more nor less than another.