Zeluno Explainer: Decoding Justice B. Sudershan Reddy – INDIA Bloc's Vice-President Pick
Key Takeaways
- Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, a distinguished retired Supreme Court judge, has been nominated as the INDIA bloc's candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.
- His nomination highlights a focus on judicial integrity and constitutional expertise in the Vice-President's office.
- The Vice-Presidential election involves an electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament.
- The role of the Vice-President as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is crucial for parliamentary proceedings.
- Aspirants should understand the constitutional provisions related to the Vice-President's office, elections, and functions (Article 63-71).
Why in the News?
The INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc has officially announced Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, a highly respected retired Supreme Court judge, as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. This crucial political development sets the stage for a significant contest for the nation's second-highest constitutional office. The nomination underscores the opposition's strategy to field a candidate with a strong background in constitutional law and judicial statesmanship, aiming to bring a non-partisan and esteemed figure to the post. The election is scheduled for August 2025, with results expected shortly after, making this a pivotal moment in India's political landscape.
Background
Justice B. Sudershan Reddy has a distinguished career spanning decades in the Indian judiciary. Born in 1952, he pursued his legal education and began his practice primarily in constitutional law and civil matters. He was elevated as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1997 and subsequently became its Chief Justice. His tenure was marked by a commitment to judicial activism and upholding fundamental rights. In 2008, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2014.
During his time on the Supreme Court, Justice Reddy was part of several benches that delivered landmark judgments concerning public interest litigation, environmental protection, and judicial accountability. He is particularly known for his strong views on good governance and the independence of the judiciary. His legal acumen and integrity earned him widespread respect across the legal fraternity.
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in India, established under Article 63 of the Constitution. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Article 66), in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and secret ballot. Key qualifications include being a citizen of India, having completed 35 years of age, and being qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, presiding over its sessions and ensuring parliamentary decorum. They also act as President in case of a vacancy or inability of the President.
“The independence of the judiciary is not an end in itself, but a means to achieve the larger goal of a free, just, and democratic society where the rule of law prevails.”
Significance for Aspirants
This news is highly significant for UPSC and SSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance). Understanding the Vice-Presidential election involves several key constitutional aspects:
* Articles 63 to 71 of the Indian Constitution, detailing the office, election, term, qualifications, and functions of the Vice-President. * The electoral college for the Vice-Presidential election differs from that of the President; specifically, it includes nominated members of Parliament but excludes state legislative assembly members. * The concept of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. * The role of the Vice-President as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and their functions during a presidential vacancy. * The importance of judicial appointments and the integrity of the judiciary in a democratic setup. * Current affairs related to parliamentary democracy and the functioning of the INDIA bloc as an opposition alliance.
Aspirants should also be prepared for questions on the powers, responsibilities, and historical precedents related to this office. The nomination of a retired Supreme Court judge also highlights the interplay between the judiciary and the executive/legislature, a frequent area of inquiry.