Kowdoor Sadananda Hegde (11 June 1909 – 24 May 1990) was an Indian jurist and politician who served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India[1] and later as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

On 30 April 1973, he tendered his resignation, as a matter of principle, when one of his junior colleagues was appointed the Chief Justice of India.

Hegde died on 24 May 1990 at his residence in Mangalore, and left behind his wife Meenakshi and six children, three sons and three daughters.

In an obituary of Hegde, Justice M. M. Ismail wrote, "His tenure as a Judge of the Supreme Court was notable for his learned judgements which were characterised by basic legal principles and practical common-sense.The end of his judicial career was equally notable for his sense of self-respect and dignity which he attached to his office, as he resigned his office without the slightest hesitation the movement [sic] he heard the news over the all India Radio that he and two senior colleagues of his had been superseded in the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Hegde Foundation Awards; previous winners include former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh.