Justice Reddy, born in Telangana in 1946, rose from modest beginnings to hold some of the highest judicial offices. After earning his law degree from Osmania University, he became a government pleader, Central government counsel, and later a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He went on to serve as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in 2005 and as a Supreme Court judge from 2007 until his retirement in 2011.
B Sudershan Reddy is a retired Supreme Court judge with a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades. Starting from grassroots legal practice in Hyderabad, he gradually rose to occupy key judicial positions across India. Known for his progressive judgments and strong advocacy of social and economic justice, he is remembered for championing the Constitution and defending the rights of marginalised communities. His brief tenure as the first Lokayukta of Goa in 2013 further added to his public service record, though he resigned months later citing personal reasons.
In 2013, he was appointed Goa’s first Lokayukta but resigned within months on personal grounds. His candidature now marks a renewed public role, with Opposition leaders describing him as a jurist deeply committed to social, political, and economic justice. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded him as a defender of the Constitution and the rights of the poor.
The Vice-Presidential election comes earlier than expected following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s abrupt resignation, reportedly triggered by both health concerns and differences with the BJP. The process begins with nominations closing on August 21, scrutiny on August 22, and withdrawal by August 25.