IAS Officer Santosh Verma Sparks Controversy with Comments on SC/ST Judicial Representation and Brahmin Community

Multiple organizations have accused the IAS officer of breaching constitutional principles

In Bhopal, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Santosh Verma, who previously caused controversy with comments about Brahmin women, has ignited fresh outrage by claiming that high courts deliberately prevent Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates from becoming civil judges.

Verma, who also serves as president of the Madhya Pradesh Scheduled Castes and ST Officers and Employees Association (AJJAKS), made these controversial remarks at an association event, as evidenced in a circulating video.

"The high court, not anyone else, is responsible for blocking ST individuals from becoming civil judges," he stated.

He further remarked that this was the same high court from which they expect adherence to BR Ambedkar's Constitution.

Verma, already facing significant backlash from Brahmin and upper caste groups for weeks, now confronts increased pressure. Various organizations have accused him of repeatedly violating constitutional standards and criticized the government for seemingly avoiding disciplinary action.

In response, the Brahmin Samaj United Front has announced a major protest scheduled for December 14 outside the chief minister's residence. Preparation activities will commence on December 13, with numerous Brahmin organizations expected to participate. The protest will begin at 7 pm, marked by conch shell blowing at the Maharana Pratap statue, before proceeding toward Vallabh Bhavan.

Community leaders have alleged that the government's inaction against the IAS officer demonstrates discrimination, and they demand strict, impartial measures. Virendra Sharma, convenor of the Brahmin Samaj United Front, expressed, "We oppose this discriminatory action."

The Brahmin organization has requested support from all community members and organizations. During the AJJAKS conference, Verma criticized judicial recruitment processes, alleging deliberate exclusion of SC and ST candidates.

"In recent examinations, SC and ST candidates were not selected. They claimed they couldn't find eligible candidates. Someone from our community can become an IAS, IPS, deputy collector, DSP, but cannot become a civil judge. What kind of eligibility criteria causes this exclusion?" questioned the IAS officer.

He alleged that candidates were intentionally awarded scores just below passing thresholds—like 49.95 instead of 50, and 19.5 instead of 20—during interviews to ensure their failure.

"Who's responsible? Our high court is doing this. It's the same institution from which we seek justice," Verma added.

He claimed the SC and ST community's representation was being systematically eliminated from the judiciary.

"Only when our community members become civil judges can they eventually become high court judges. When our representation is being destroyed, from whom can we expect justice? This is our final generation. Only we can fight this battle," he declared.

Verma was elected AJJAKS president at a November event in Bhopal. During that same gathering, he generated controversy by stating that reservations should continue "until a Brahmin gives his daughter in marriage to our son."

A subsequent video emerged showing him saying, "How many Santosh Vermas will you kill or burn? Now a Santosh Verma will emerge from every household."

In an exclusive NDTV interview, Verma claimed he was being targeted not for his comments but due to leadership disputes within AJJAKS.

"I'm not the target. The AJJAKS office is the target. They want to take control of the organization. Personal attacks against me are merely a diversion," he stated.

Cabinet minister Inder Singh Parmar told NDTV that society respects daughters and sisters, and such remarks would receive no support.

"These statements violate the code of conduct, and the government will take appropriate action according to established rules," Parmar affirmed.