B. Sudershan Reddy: A Jurist Elevated to the National Stage
Introduction
When a seasoned judge assumes the spotlight in electoral politics, it's worth understanding the depth of their legacy. Balkrishna Sudarshan Reddy, better known as B. Sudershan Reddy, is a distinguished former Supreme Court judge and now the vice-presidential candidate of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc in the 2025 election. With a career spanning decades—from grassroots advocacy to the highest bench in India—Reddy embodies judicial gravitas and constitutional fidelity.
This article explores the life, career, and current political significance of Justice Reddy, shedding light on his journey and the strong credence the INDIA alliance places in him.
Early Life, Education, and Legal Foundations
Birth and Education
Born on 8 July 1946 in Akula Mylaram, Ranga Reddy district of then Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), Justice Reddy hailed from an agricultural family. He pursued his early education in Hyderabad and earned his LLB from Osmania University in 1971
Entry into Legal Practice
Immediately after obtaining his law degree, Reddy enrolled with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in December 1971, and began advocating in civil and constitutional matters under the mentorship of senior advocate K. Pratap Reddy
Judicial Ascent and Contributions
Steady Climb Through the Judiciary
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1988–1990: Appointed Government Pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court
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1990: Served briefly as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government
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1993: Elected President of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates Association, and began serving as Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University
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1995: Elevated to Judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court (Permanent) from 2 May
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2005: Became Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court on 5 December
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2007–2011: Served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India from 12 January 2007 until retiring on 7 July 2011
Post-Retirement and Public Roles
After retirement, Justice Reddy served as the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013, a role he stepped down from within months due to personal circumstances. He also remains associated in advisory roles with legal institutions
Political Elevation — INDIA Bloc’s Vice-Presidential Candidate
A Judicial Choice for a Constitutional Office
On 19 August 2025, the INDIA alliance—a coalition of opposition parties—announced Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as their joint candidate for Vice President of India. The nomination followed former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation and came through a consensus led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge
Kharge described Reddy as a “distinguished and progressive jurist” known for championing social, economic, and political justice, especially for those less privileged
Electoral Context
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Reddy faces C P Radhakrishnan, the NDA-backed nominee and former Governor of Maharashtra, in the Vice-Presidential election scheduled for 9 September 2025
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His nomination signals the INDIA bloc’s preference for a legal luminary as their representative in this constitutional contest
Overview Table — Career Path
| Stage | Timeline | Role and Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Early Advocacy | 1971–1988 | Practiced Civil & Constitutional law; Government Pleader |
| High Court Judge | 1995–2005 | Andhra Pradesh High Court (Permanent Judge) |
| Chief Justice | 2005–2007 | Gauhati High Court Chief Justice |
| Supreme Court Judge | 2007–2011 | Bench of the Supreme Court of India |
| Goa Lokayukta | 2013 | First Ombudsman (brief tenure) |
| Vice-Presidential Candidate | 2025 | INDIA bloc’s nominee |
Legacy, Values, and Judicial Persona
Key Attributes and Contributions
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Judicial Integrity
Known for upholding constitutional values and championing public interest and fundamental rights -
Mentorship and Legal Scholar
Respected figure among younger lawyers for ethical conduct and legal clarity -
Progressive Judgments
Advocated for socio-economic justice; decisions often favored the marginalized -
Role Model for Judiciary
His journey from a farming background to the Supreme Court stands as an inspiring exemplar in Indian legal circles
Why His Nomination Matters
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Symbol of Judicial Excellence
Reddy’s nomination underscores respect for judiciary and constitutional ethics at the center of political narratives. -
Non-Partisan Persona
A judge by career, not a career politician—his bid highlights competence over political maneuvering. -
Message of Values
The INDIA bloc frames this as an ideological battle—pitting constitutional values and judicial impartiality against political consolidation -
Strategic Weight
By choosing a respected jurist, the opposition seeks a high-ground appeal in a race often dominated by political identities.
Conclusion
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy’s life story is that of a relentless pursuit of justice, from humble origins in rural Telangana to interpreting the Constitution at the Supreme Court. His current elevation to a vice-presidential candidate status is both a reflection of his judicial eminence and a strategic political statement.
Whether backed by legal gravitas or ideological messaging, his candidacy brings the conversation back to constitutional integrity, ethics, and public service in Indian democracy—qualities that every nation needs at its helm.
