This book is a compilation of articles and speeches based on various topics covering Affirmative Actions, Electoral Reforms, Constitutional conventions, etc. over a period of time.

In order to uplift the conditions of the oppressed classes, the Indian Constitution conferred power on the ‘State’, for taking affirmative actions and provide “Reservations” for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in educational institutions and in Government employment.

In the year 1978, Tamil Nadu Government passed a controversial order by which the Backward classes were denied the benefit of such Reservations if the gross annual income of a family exceeded Rs 9000/-. But in 1980, that order was withdrawn. This triggered a debate among the public that such an income limit should be applied. In the year 1989, the author, while speaking on the topic “Reservation under the Constitution”, expounded the subject to the students of the Madurai Law College. That speech forms the first chapter in the book.

When the ’Mandal’ judgement was pronounced in 1992 by the Supreme Court of India, the article, “Whither Reservation?” was written highlighting its adverse effect on reservation for OBCs. The other articles on Reservation were written on difference occasions.

The article, “Electoral Reforms” is the speech given at Madras University in 2003 relating to the consequences of frequent elections on the development of the Nation. The article on “Confidence vote” in Legislative Bodies, would show that it is not a constitutional requirement, and that certain conventions or practices followed in India were not in conformity with the Constitution.

This book would be useful for the readers to appreciate the justification for reservation and the continued hurdles faced by the Backward classes in achieving ”Equality in Fact”, which is also a Constitutional Mandate.

The Indian Constitution, the longest constitution in the world, can be made precise by deleting unwanted provisions. This is brought out in the last article.

This book contains the following articles
1. Reservation under the Constitution
2. Whither Reservation?
3. Reservation for “OBCs” – A Thorny Path
4. Creamy Layer Made Sediment
5. Reservation of 27% - A Mirage?
6. Steps to be taken to Ensure Reservation for OBCs
7. Reservation in Private Sectors – No Legal Impediment
8. Reservation of Seats in the Legislative Bodies
9. Electoral Reforms
10. Confidence Vote – Not a Constitutional Requirement
11. Needs for a Concise Constitution