B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, was named the Opposition’s candidate for Vice President on Tuesday. At 79, Reddy, who served as a judge from 2007 to 2011, is remembered for his strong stance on issues of constitutional integrity and his firm actions during his tenure on the bench.
In 2011, while the Congress-led UPA government grappled with multiple corruption allegations, Reddy played a pivotal role in holding the government accountable. In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court, under his guidance, reprimanded the government for its inaction on the issue of black money, famously accusing it of “sleeping on the issue.” The Court also ordered the establishment of a special investigation team to address the matter. This ruling stands as a defining moment in Reddy’s career, showcasing his commitment to upholding justice without fear or favor.
Reddy’s legal journey began in his hometown of Akula Mylaram in Telangana, where he was born into an agricultural family on July 8, 1946. He graduated from Osmania University in Hyderabad in 1971 and went on to build a successful career in law, working initially under senior advocate K Pratap Reddy. He rose through the ranks of the judiciary, serving in the Andhra Pradesh High Court before being appointed Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in 2005. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, where he continued to leave a lasting legacy before his retirement in 2011.
Apart from his work on the bench, Reddy was a staunch supporter of the creation of a separate Telangana state, actively participating in movements supporting its bifurcation. He also raised his voice in favor of splitting the Andhra Pradesh High Court in line with the state’s division.
One of his most notable rulings was declaring the Salwa Judum, a militia created by the Chhattisgarh state government to fight Maoists, as unconstitutional. Reddy, alongside Justice SS Nijjar, called the arming of civilians “unethical and dangerous,” violating basic constitutional rights.
After retiring from the Supreme Court, Reddy was appointed Goa’s first Lokayukta in 2013 but resigned later that year on personal grounds. Known for his commitment to the rule of law, Reddy’s legacy as a judge is marked by his unwavering integrity and dedication to democratic values.
Madabhushi Sridhar Acharyulu, former Central Information Commissioner, who has known Reddy for over three decades, praised him as a judge who etched his name in history for his distinctive vision, integrity, and commitment to upholding constitutional principles.
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