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Key Points

A group of eight retired High Court judges have strongly criticized Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy's meeting with convicted RJD chief Lalu Yadav. They expressed dismay over the opposition VP candidate associating with someone convicted in the Rs 940 crore fodder scam. The judges questioned the legitimacy of the consultation since Lalu isn't eligible to vote in the VP election. They warned this represents a fundamental error in judgment for someone seeking high constitutional office.

Key Points: Retired Judges Slam Justice Reddy Meeting Convicted Lalu Yadav

  • Eight retired judges question legitimacy of VP candidate meeting convicted scamster
  • Statement cites Lalu Yadav's ineligibility to vote in VP election
  • Judges warn association harms dignity of constitutional institutions
  • Senior advocates also express dismay over the dubious meeting
2 min read

Retired HC judges express 'dismay' over B. Sudershan Reddy-Lalu Yadav meet

Eight retired HC judges express dismay over VP candidate Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy's meeting with RJD chief Lalu Yadav, convicted in the Rs 940 crore fodder scam.

"This lapse represents a fundamental error in judgment - Group of Eight Retired HC Judges"

New Delhi, Sep 8

​​A group of eight retired HC judges have issued a strong statement expressing “dismay” over a meeting between Opposition Vice Presidential candidate Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, convicted in the fodder scam involving the embezzlement of about Rs 940 of public funds.

In their statement dated September 8, the retired judges questioned the “legitimacy” of the meeting, noting that the consultation cannot be justified by citing electoral considerations, since Lalu Yadav is neither a Member of Parliament nor is he eligible to vote in the Vice-Presidential electoral college.

“For someone of Mr. Reddy’s stature, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India, and his ambition, which is to occupy one of the nation’s highest constitutional offices, an engagement of such dubious nature raises serious questions about his judgment and propriety,” the statement said.

Further it said, “Mr. Reddy’s decision to associate with convicted individuals who have demonstrably harmed national interests through corruption speaks volumes about his intentions and allegiances.”

The signatories included Justice S.M. Khandeparkar and Justice Ambadas Joshi (both former judges of the Bombay High Court), Justice R.K. Marthiya (a former judge of the Jharkhand High Court), retired Justice Devender Kumar Ahuja (Allahabad High Court), Justice S.N. Dhingra (a former judge of the Delhi High Court), retired Justice Karam Chand Puri (Punjab & Haryana High Court), Justice P.N. Ravindran (Kerala High Court) and Justice R.S. Rathore (a former judge of the Rajasthan High Court).

“It is particularly worrying that despite his distinguished judicial background, Mr. Reddy has independently associated with an individual whose criminal actions have been confirmed by Indian courts,” the statement added.

“This lapse, by an individual seeking to occupy an influential and prestigious constitutional post, represents a fundamental error in judgment, one that the public is bound to evaluate fully,” the retired judges cautioned.

Earlier in the day, at least 20 senior advocates, from the Supreme Court and the High Court, expressed their dismay over a ‘dubious’ meeting between the Opposition Vice Presidential candidate and the RJD chief.

The senior advocates emphasised that Justice Reddy’s association with a convict reflected a grave error in judgment and undermines the dignity of constitutional institutions.

They also called upon the public to evaluate this lapse.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The retired judges have raised valid concerns. When someone has been convicted for corruption involving public funds, why would a respected former judge associate with them? This raises serious questions about judgment.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concerns, shouldn't we also consider that everyone deserves a chance at redemption? Maybe Justice Reddy was meeting him for some other purpose. We shouldn't jump to conclusions.
A
Aditya G
₹940 crore scam! And our former judges are meeting such people? This is exactly why common people lose faith in the system. The dignity of constitutional posts must be maintained at all costs.
S
Shreya B
I respect Justice Reddy's long service, but this meeting was completely unnecessary. When you're aiming for VP position, you need to be extra careful about who you associate with. Hope he clarifies his position.
K
Karthik V
The retired judges from multiple high courts speaking up shows how serious this is. We need people with impeccable integrity in constitutional positions. This meeting was definitely a lapse in judgment.

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