Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, who is now the Vice-Presidential candidate of India Block, made headlines at the national level in 2011. As a judge of the Supreme Court, he gave a historic verdict, in which the Chhattisgarh government -backed Salwa Judum militia was declared unconstitutional. This decision completely newly renewed the fight against Naxal extremism and restored the supremacy of constitutional values in the struggling areas.

Salwa Judum, which was formed as a tribal vigilance group in resource-rich and Naxal-affected areas such as Bastar and Dantewada, was notorious for human rights violations and blurred the line between the action of the state and the role of paramilitary forces. The decision given by Justice Reddy's Nandini Sundar vs. Chhattisgarh State Case clearly held the militia unconstitutional and ordered the Chhattisgarh administration to immediately disposes the group and seize their weapons.

Beyond Salwa Judum, Reddy’s judicial career includes bold stands he criticized the UPA government’s sluggishness in probing black-money scams, and advocated for constitutional clarity and accountability. 

Now, aged 79, he stands as the Opposition’s candidate for the Vice Presidency which will see voting on September 9. Familiar to voters from his principled rulings, Reddy’s candidacy underscores the Opposition’s preference for constitutional guardians over political theatrics. 

Not everyone praises Reddy unreservedly. BJP sources argue that his judgment effectively weakened India’s counter-Naxal measures, calling into question the implication of sidelining tribal auxiliaries in tough terrain. 

Still, Reddy’s defenders say his legacy exemplifies judicial courage: accountability, the protection of civil liberties, and the rule of law even in India’s most conflict-ridden regions. Whether voters see a principled jurist or a controversial reformer, his history is now under the national spotlight.