On Tuesday, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) has fielded former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, setting the stage for a contest against the ruling National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) nominee, CP Radhakrishnan. The election is scheduled for September 9, following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on July 21.
Justice Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, pursued his LL.B. at Osmania University, graduating in 1971, and enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh the same year. His practice primarily focused on writ and civil matters before the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He held several key roles early in his legal career, including Government Pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court (1988–90), Additional Standing Counsel for the Union of India (1990), and legal adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University.
On May 2, 1995, Justice Reddy was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He went on to serve as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court from December 2005 before his elevation to the Supreme Court of India in January 2007. His tenure on the apex court bench lasted until July 8, 2011, when he retired upon superannuation. Throughout his judicial career, Justice Reddy was noted for progressive reasoning and a rights-centric approach in matters relating to constitutional interpretation, governance, and public accountability.
Announcing the candidature, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, described the poll as an ideological contest. He described Justice Reddy as a jurist who has consistently stood for social, economic, and political justice. He said Justice Reddy embodies the ideals that animated India’s freedom struggle and the constitutional vision of democracy, equality, and justice. Stressing that these values are presently under threat, Kharge added that the INDIA bloc’s decision to nominate him reflects a united determination to contest the election on those principles.
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