B. Sudarshan Reddy: INDIA Bloc’s Nominee for Vice President of India

The political landscape of India has once again become the center of attention with the announcement of the Vice-Presidential elections scheduled for September 9, 2025. Following the sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the stage has been set for a high-stakes contest between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. In this backdrop, the opposition parties have unanimously decided to put forward Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge known for his progressive views and deep commitment to constitutional values, as their joint candidate. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while making the announcement, described the contest as an “ideological battle,” underscoring the INDIA bloc’s strategy of placing integrity, social justice, and constitutional fidelity at the center of this election.

Early Life and Education of B. Sudarshan Reddy

B. Sudarshan Reddy was born on 8 July 1946 in Akula Mylaram, a village in the then Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh (now in Telangana). Coming from a humble agrarian background, his early life was rooted in simplicity and the struggles of a rural household. This upbringing left a lasting impression on his worldview, instilling in him a natural empathy for the marginalized and underprivileged. He pursued his education in Hyderabad and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree from the prestigious Osmania University. In December 1971, he was formally enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh, marking the beginning of his legal career.

The Early Legal Career and Initial Roles

Reddy began his legal practice under the guidance of the eminent senior advocate K. Pratap Reddy. From the outset, he displayed a keen interest in civil and constitutional law, areas that would later define his judicial approach. His advocacy work primarily revolved around writ petitions and civil matters before the Andhra Pradesh High Court. In 1988, his growing reputation earned him the post of Government Pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, a position he held until 1990. During this time, he represented the state in important cases and became well-regarded for his clear reasoning and fairness. Briefly in 1990, he also served as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government, further strengthening his experience in handling constitutional and administrative matters. Apart from his government roles, he was associated with academia as a Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University, where he guided the institution on various legal issues.

Judicial Journey: From Andhra Pradesh High Court to Gauhati High Court

The real turning point in B. Sudarshan Reddy’s career came in May 1993, when he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. His tenure on the bench reflected his reputation as a thoughtful and courageous jurist. He was known for delivering judgments that consistently upheld the spirit of the Constitution while keeping the interests of the common people in mind. After more than a decade of service at the Andhra Pradesh High Court, he was elevated as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. In this capacity, he not only oversaw judicial administration but also continued to shape important legal principles, ensuring that justice remained accessible to the people of the northeastern states.

Elevation to the Supreme Court and Landmark Tenure

On 12 January 2007, B. Sudarshan Reddy was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, one of the highest honors in the judicial system. His tenure at the apex court lasted until his retirement on 7 July 2011, during which he earned widespread respect for his principled and progressive approach to law. He consistently emphasized the importance of protecting fundamental rights, especially for vulnerable sections of society. Known as a judge who was unafraid to speak his mind, he handled cases with sensitivity and moral clarity. Several of his judgments displayed a deep concern for economic and social justice, making him a jurist who was regarded as a defender of the Constitution and a friend of the underprivileged. His time on the Supreme Court bench is remembered for its emphasis on balancing development with human rights and ensuring that the state remained accountable to its citizens.

Role as the First Lokayukta of Goa

After retiring from the Supreme Court, Justice Reddy took on another significant role in public life when he was appointed as the first Lokayukta of Goa in March 2013. The Lokayukta is an important anti-corruption authority, created to investigate cases of misconduct and abuse of power by public officials. His appointment was seen as a step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. However, his tenure in Goa was short-lived, as he resigned within seven months citing personal reasons. Even though brief, his stint as Lokayukta reflected his continuing dedication to public service and institutional integrity.

Political Significance of His Nomination

The decision of the INDIA bloc to nominate Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy for the Vice-Presidential post is not merely about filling a constitutional office; it carries deep political symbolism. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the upcoming election as an “ideological battle” where the opposition seeks to present a candidate who represents constitutional morality, judicial independence, and concern for the marginalized. By choosing a former Supreme Court judge with a spotless reputation, the bloc aims to signal its commitment to democratic values. Leaders like TMC’s Derek O’Brien have also highlighted that the decision was unanimously backed by all parties in the alliance, including the Aam Aadmi Party, reflecting rare unity within the opposition ranks. Justice Reddy’s track record as a jurist who consistently spoke for the poor and defended the constitutional framework aligns with the INDIA bloc’s narrative of challenging authoritarian tendencies and safeguarding democracy.

The Upcoming Vice-Presidential Election of 2025

The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for 9 September 2025, with August 21 being the last date for filing nominations. The election will take place through a secret ballot in which members of both Houses of Parliament will cast their votes under a system of proportional representation, as mandated by Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India. Justice Reddy will face the ruling NDA’s candidate, C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra. The contest is expected to be intense, not just because of the political arithmetic in Parliament but also due to the ideological weight attached to the nominations. While the NDA enjoys numerical strength, the INDIA bloc’s decision to field a respected judicial figure transforms this election into a debate about values, constitutionalism, and the future direction of Indian democracy.

Conclusion

Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy’s nomination as the INDIA bloc’s Vice-Presidential candidate reflects more than just an electoral strategy. It is a deliberate choice that highlights the opposition’s focus on constitutional integrity, social justice, and the protection of fundamental rights. From his early days as an advocate in the Andhra Pradesh High Court to his years as a Supreme Court judge and beyond, his career has been defined by fairness, courage, and compassion. Whether or not he wins the election, his candidature itself brings the emphasis back on the values enshrined in the Constitution. As the nation approaches the Vice-Presidential election of 2025, the spotlight is firmly on Justice Reddy, a man whose legal journey and judicial philosophy may soon find a new chapter in the political sphere.