Latest news with #JusticeReddy
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Justice Sudarshan Reddy symbolises humanitarian values in judiciary
INDIA Bloc's decision to nominate former Supreme Court judge as its candidate for the post of Vice-President of India is indeed a commendable decision. From every perspective, Justice B Sudarshan Reddy is eminently qualified for this constitutional position. A judge deeply committed to the rule of law; he has dedicated his life to upholding constitutional values in the Indian democratic framework. Among the pillars of the Indian Constitution, the judiciary holds a critical role. Some judges have etched their names in history through their unwavering integrity, distinctive vision, and faith in democratic principles—Justice Sudarshan Reddy is one among them. Journey in legal education: Born in 1948, Justice Sudarshan Reddy pursued his legal education in Hyderabad and obtained his law degree from the Law College. Even during his student days, he displayed a strong commitment to the legal system, a deep understanding of constitutional values, and a dedication to social justice. He began his legal career in 1971, advocating on constitutional matters in both the High Courts and the Supreme Court. He gained recognition for his fearless arguments in public interest litigations and constitutional issues. In 1995, he was appointed a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and later in 2007, he took charge as a judge of the Supreme Court. His judgments consistently reflected a reverence for the Constitution, a protection of people's rights, and a firm commitment to transparent governance. He also served as the Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), launching several initiatives to ensure access to justice for ordinary citizens. Judicial integrity and distance from politics: One of the most notable aspects of Justice Reddy's career is his strong belief in keeping the judiciary free from political influence. His landmark judgments continue to serve as guiding lights for legal professionals. His rulings in cases of national importance have had a profound impact on society. Vice-presidential nomination: In today's politically turbulent environment, nominating a figure like Justice Reddy symbolizes a stand for ethics and democratic values. The INDIA alliance's decision reflects their respect for judicial integrity and the dignity of constitutional offices. Justice Reddy is also to be commended for his commitment to democracy. His presence in the office of the Vice-President would enhance the stature of the Constitution and uphold moral values. This role would be a fitting tribute to a life devoted to justice. Landmark Salwa Judum judgment: Particularly worth discussing is his historic verdict in the Salwa Judum case, which stands as a milestone in Indian judicial history. This decision played a vital role in defending citizens' fundamental rights and upholding constitutional values. The Salwa Judum case: In the case Nandini Sundar & others vs State of Chhattisgarh, on July 5, 2011, Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, along with Justice S.S. Nijjar, delivered a historic and significant judgment. This verdict deserves an entire book of its own (which the author had the privilege of translating and was published by Malupu Publications). The case dealt with the Chhattisgarh government arming tribal youth under the banner of Salwa Judum to combat Maoists. Key points of the verdict: 1. Salwa Judum declared unconstitutional: The Court held that the government's act of arming tribal civilians to fight Maoists was against the Constitution. 2. Arming civilians is unethical and dangerous: Appointing untrained villagers as Special Police Officers (SPOs) and giving them weapons was described as highly unethical and risky. 3. Violation of fundamental rights: The policy was deemed in violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution. 4. Immediate disbanding ordered: The Court ordered an immediate halt to Salwa Judum activities and withdrawal of arms given to civilians. 5. Citizens' safety must be ensured: The ruling stressed that the government must address the Maoist problem through legal and secure means, not by turning civilians into combatants. Through this landmark judgment, Justice Reddy sent a clear and powerful message to the government about the protection of citizens' rights. It was a significant step in defending human rights and constitutional values. This verdict stands as a shining example of 'Judicial humanism' in Indian legal history. Speech on the Constitution's preamble: Recently, in a public address related to a book titled 'Preamble of the Constitution' (authored by the writer), Justice Reddy criticized certain senior figures who argue that the Indian Constitution does not truly belong to India. He cited how, even on the day the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution, an editorial in the Organizer newspaper openly refused to recognize the tricolour flag and the Constitution. They declared that they would neither accept it nor follow it. Justice Reddy, referring to such intellectuals, highlighted Dr. Ambedkar's response, who proudly stated that if India's Constitution has been borrowed from multiple global sources, there was no shame in it. 'It is only wise to adopt good ideas, no matter where they come from.' Nehru's resolution and the idea of Union: Before the Constitution's enactment, Jawaharlal Nehru had drafted the Objectives Resolution, a precursor to the Preamble. He envisioned a Union of States, emphasizing greater powers to the States, with only essential powers retained by the Union government. This resolution was introduced on April 31, 1946, even before the Partition Plan. Justice Reddy questioned critics who belittle Nehru's contribution, asking whether they even understand his depth of knowledge—evident in his seminal work The Discovery of India, which explores the Upanishads, the Himalayas, the Ganges, the Aryans, and Mohenjo-Daro. He challenged those who pretend to be learned while unfairly blaming Nehru. Gandhi's wisdom: Quoting Gandhi, 'I keep all my windows open to let in fresh ideas from wherever they come,' Justice Reddy remarked how some people try to create artificial conflict between Ambedkar and Gandhi and then take satisfaction in such misrepresentations. Justice Reddy stands as a symbol of judicial ethics, human rights, and constitutional morality. His nomination to the Vice President's office reflects a broader commitment to preserving democratic and humanitarian values in India. His judicial career, particularly the Salwa Judum verdict, is a legacy that exemplifies how law can be a tool for justice and compassion in a democratic society. (The writer is a former CIC and Advisor, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad)
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Making a point: On the election of the Vice-President
The BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led Opposition parties have announced their respective candidates for the post of the Vice-President of India, which fell vacant after the abrupt and intriguing resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, setting the stage for a fresh face-off. The numbers are foretold and there is no surprise in store about the outcome. However, this is a significant ideological battle, and both sides see it as such. The NDA's candidate, C.P. Radhakrishnan, is a veteran RSS activist from Tamil Nadu, who has served as a two-term Member of Parliament, from 1998 to 2004. He is the Governor of Maharashtra. The INDIA bloc parties have chosen B. Sudershan Reddy, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, born and raised in undivided Andhra Pradesh. The NDA has a majority and is on a drive to canvas additional unattached individual voters and parties such as the BJD and the BRS. The YSRCP, bitterly opposed to the TDP, the NDA's partner, in Andhra Pradesh, has pledged its support to Mr. Radhakrishnan. Justice Reddy's candidacy has set off some regionalist political posturing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while Mr. Radhakrishnan's has caused the same in Tamil Nadu. On this count, the INDIA bloc managed to push back the NDA's attempt to put the DMK on the defensive ahead of the State Assembly election. The BJP hopes that Mr. Radhakrishnan's elevation will gain it some mileage in the Assembly election. The political messaging cannot be clearer. By offering the second-highest office in the country to a life-long adherent of Hindutva, the BJP has fastened its ties with its mother ship, the RSS. Mr. Radhakrishnan's profile is in stark contrast with Mr. Dhankhar, who was a late entrant into the Sangh Parivar and failed to fit in. The BJP has used state power, which it controls, in a systematic and effective manner to advance Hindutva. Numerous personality clashes notwithstanding, these shared convictions hold the Sangh Parivar together. Not only has the BJP managed to hold its existing partners firmly behind its candidate but it has also managed to win over the YSRCP. As for the Congress and the Opposition, Justice Reddy's candidacy is an assertion of its resistance to the Parivar and an attempt to amplify their social justice slogan. Justice Reddy recently headed the 11-member independent expert working group that had analysed and interpreted the data collected during the Telangana Congress government's Socio, Economic, Education, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey 2024. They also hope to use this contest as a rallying cry for the Opposition to consolidate against the BJP.
India Today
21 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
MPs elect Veep, not parties: Justice Reddy appeals to NDA to back him in polls
Justice Sudershan Reddy, the opposition's vice-presidential candidate, appealed to MPs across party lines to rise above partisan politics and vote for him in the September 9 polls while emphasising that his sole agenda would be to promote constitutional an exclusive interview with India Today, the former Supreme Court judge said he was oblivious to the bind his candidature would put the parties in the two Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and TELUGU CONUNDRUM "MPs elect the vice president, not the parties. There is no whip in the polls. I trust the wisdom of MPs. They will weigh the relative merits of all candidates," Justice Reddy said. He has been pitted against Maharashtra Governor and Tamil Nadu BJP leader CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, setting up a mouthwatering South vs South opposition's selection of Justice Reddy, who was born into a Telugu family, has come as a googly for NDA parties and fence sitters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - the TDP, the YSRCP, and the Telangana and Andhra have 42 Lok Sabha and 18 Rajya Sabha that the elections would be the most "decent and dignified" contest for the post, Justice Reddy urged the NDA to support him."I will follow PM Modi's footsteps and appeal to the NDA members to support me. If an opportunity is given, I will meet the NDA MPs. Will urge them to support me," he further REDDY ON HIS AGENDAThe 79-year-old, who retired from the Supreme Court in 2011, asserted that his agenda would be to protect and uphold the Constitution."As a lawyer and judge, I upheld the Constitution. If opportunity comes, I will protect the constitution... I can defend the Constitution," Justice Reddy underlined in a seeming jibe at the BJP, which has often been accused by the opposition of subverting constitutional his contest with CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with an RSS background, Justice Reddy said they both belong to different ideologies."CP Radhakrishnan is a respectable person. He belongs to RSS. We belong to different ideologies. He is entitled to his ideology. I am a liberal, socialist, and a democrat. I am a follower of Ram Manohar Lohia," he further said.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Revanth invokes Telugu pride, urges unity for Justice Reddy's VP bid
Hyderabad: Hours after the INDIA bloc announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its vice-presidential candidate, chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday made an impassioned appeal to Telugu parties across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to rise above politics and rally behind the "son of the soil." "It is an election between saving the Constitution, reservations, and democracy, which Justice Reddy represents, versus CP Radhakrishnan, the BJP-led NDA's candidate who stands for changing the Constitution, abolishing reservations, and undermining democratic principles," Revanth said. Making it clear that Justice Reddy is an 'apolitical' candidate, Revanth urged leaders of all parties — TDP, YSRCP, BRS, AIMIM, Jana Sena, Left, and even BJP MPs from both states — to support him. "On behalf of the Telugu people, I appeal to every party to unite on one platform to save the Constitution, reservations, and democracy, and to uphold the self-respect of Telugus," he said. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad The CM highlighted Justice Reddy's humble beginnings in a Telugu farming family, his education at Osmania University, and his rise to serve as Chief Justice of various high courts and later as a judge of the Supreme Court. "He is a legal luminary and a constitutional expert who will safeguard not only the Constitution and democracy but also reservations, which are under attack from the BJP," he said. Revanth reminded that Justice Reddy had chaired the independent panel that studied Telangana's caste survey. "If he is elected vice-president, he will play a crucial role in getting 42% reservations for OBCs approved. He knows the survey in depth and has advised the state govt on ensuring justice for Backward Classes. He will be the strongest voice of OBCs in Parliament," he asserted. To questions on his role in finalising the candidature, Revanth said: "Justice Reddy is INDIA bloc's choice. He gave a presentation on caste survey analysis to MPs in Delhi, and they recognised his worth as a constitutional expert." Though both candidates are from the South, Revanth accused the BJP of trying to deepen north-south divides. "Congress and the INDIA bloc are fighting to unite the country. At least the 60 MPs — 42 in the Lok Sabha and 18 in the Rajya Sabha — from the two Telugu states must come together to support Justice Reddy," he said. Drawing on NTR's legacy Revanth also invoked former Andhra Pradesh CM NT Rama Rao's statesmanship. "I appeal to Chandrababu Naidu, K Chandrasekhar Rao, Jagan Mohan Reddy, Pawan Kalyan, Asaduddin Owaisi, and Left leaders to take inspiration from NTR, who refused to field a candidate against PV Narasimha Rao in Nandyal when Rao became prime minister. Let us protect the pride and honour of the Telugu people in the same spirit," he urged. The CM clarified that a decision on personally meeting or writing to party leaders would be taken after the INDIA bloc's candidate files nomination on Aug 21. "I will most likely attend the nomination rally of Justice Reddy in Delhi," he added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Justice Sudershan Reddy Vs Radhakrishnan: Southern showdown for VP post
Hyderabad: For the first time since Independence, India's vice-presidential election will see both the ruling and opposition alliances fielding candidates from the South, underscoring the region's importance in national politics. The NDA has nominated C P Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu, while the INDIA bloc has chosen Justice B Sudershan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge from Telangana, as its candidate. Political observers see these choices as more than symbolic. For the BJP, the decision reflects its sharpened focus on Tamil Nadu, where it has long struggled to gain political ground. For the INDIA bloc, nominating Justice Reddy not only highlights the South's growing parliamentary strength but also aligns with its campaign theme of 'saving democracy and the Constitution.' Analysts suggest his legal background and clean image strengthen the bloc's attempt to position itself as the defender of constitutional values. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad The contest will decide India's 17th Vice-President. While the office has often seen consensus candidates, unopposed elections have occurred only five times. Eminent leaders such as Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Gopal Swaroop Pathak, Mohammad Hidayatullah, and Shankar Dayal Sharma ascended to the post without contest. Radhakrishnan, notably, was a Telugu from Tamil Nadu and served as the first and second Vice-President. This time, the competition itself carries historical weight, with one candidate hailing from Tamil Nadu and the other from Telangana. Though the NDA enjoys a numerical edge, experts believe the INDIA bloc's choice carries symbolic weight. "The BJP needed to respond to southern concerns, especially in Tamil Nadu, where there is a strong sense of being politically sidelined," said political analyst S Ramakrishna. "For the INDIA bloc, Justice Reddy's nomination not only counters that strategy but also connects with Telangana's political context," he observed. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy had even urged the NDA to nominate Bandaru Dattatreya, suggesting he would have cross-party appeal. Meanwhile, speculation also swirled around leaders such as BJP Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman. Eventually, the BJP settled on Radhakrishnan, while the opposition turned to Justice Reddy, whose judicial career included landmark rulings such as the 2011 judgment disbanding the Salwa Judum militia in Chhattisgarh. Senior analys Professor K Nageswar underlined that the INDIA bloc's choice was less about southern arithmetic and more about projecting credibility. "Justice Reddy brings neutrality and legal gravitas, qualities that match the opposition's campaign narrative," he opined. As voting approaches, regional parties like the TDP, BRS, and YSRCP may face difficult choices, given Justice Reddy's Telangana roots. The TDP has a precedent of refraining from fielding a candidate against former PM PV Narasimha Rao when he contested from Nandyal, despite his being a Congress nominee. Political observers said the contest is not just about numbers. "It reflects a deeper struggle—between constitutional ideals and political strategies, between southern aspirations and national calculations. In that sense, the vice-presidential election of 2025 may well set a new tone for India's evolving political landscape," a senior observer said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
