Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, now the INDIA bloc’s Vice President candidate, is a distinguished jurist known for his progressive judgments and constitutional contributions in India.
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NEW DELHI: The opposition alliance INDIA bloc on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election scheduled on September 9.
The decision was finalized after a crucial meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, where leaders from across the alliance deliberated on the importance of putting forward a common candidate to challenge the ruling BJP-led NDA.
Who is Justice B Sudershan Reddy?
Born on July 8, 1946, Justice Reddy hails from a farmer family in Akula Mylaram village, Rangareddy district, present-day Telangana. His life journey is marked by a deep commitment to justice and constitutional principles.
Early Life and Education:
Justice Reddy completed his law degree from Osmania University, Hyderabad, in 1971. The same year, he enrolled as an advocate with the Andhra Pradesh Bar Council. He practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, handling writ and civil cases with a reputation for diligence and fairness.
Career Highlights:
- Government Service: Justice Reddy served as a government pleader between 1988-90. In 1990, he briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government. He also served as a legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University.
- Judicial Career: On May 2, 1995, he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Later, on December 5, 2005, he was elevated as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court.
- Supreme Court: Justice Reddy was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on January 12, 2007, where he presided until his retirement on July 8, 2011.
- Lokayukta of Goa: In March 2013, he became the first Lokayukta of Goa but resigned within seven months, citing personal reasons.
- Other Roles: He continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of the International Arbitration and Mediation Centre, Hyderabad.
INDIA Bloc’s Candidate Against NDA’s CP Radhakrishnan
Justice Reddy will face CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee and current Governor of Maharashtra, in the September 9 Vice-Presidential polls. Radhakrishnan is a senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with a long political career.
Congress President Kharge emphasized that Justice Reddy represents a rare combination of legal brilliance, courage, and compassion. Describing him as a jurist who stood by the poor and consistently protected the Constitution and fundamental rights, Kharge noted that the unanimous decision reflects a “big achievement for democracy.”
Election Schedule
- Last date for nominations: August 21
- Scrutiny of nominations: August 22
- Last date for withdrawal: August 25
- Election date: September 9
The election comes in the wake of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation, officially citing health concerns, though reports suggest underlying differences with the BJP leadership.
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