Amit Shah Slams INDIA Bloc’s VP Pick Justice Sudershan Reddy Over Salwa Judum Judgment

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has intensified the political debate ahead of the upcoming vice-presidential election, accusing the opposition’s candidate, Justice (Retd.) B. Sudershan Reddy, of “supporting Naxalism.” Speaking at the Manorama News Conclave in Kochi, Shah referred to Reddy’s 2011 Supreme Court judgment that declared the controversial Salwa Judum militia unconstitutional. According to him, this verdict crippled India’s efforts to eliminate Left-wing extremism, a battle that has long plagued regions of central and eastern India.

The union home minister was speaking during the inauguration of the Manorama News conclave.(HT File) | Hindustan Times

Shah’s Allegations Against Reddy

In his sharp remarks, Amit Shah claimed that the Salwa Judum ruling directly weakened the state’s ability to counter the Maoist insurgency. He argued that had the Supreme Court not disbanded the militia, Naxalism could have been eradicated by 2020. Shah also linked the Congress party’s decision to nominate Reddy to the influence of Left allies, accusing the INDIA bloc of aligning with forces sympathetic to extremist ideologies. He stressed that the people of Kerala, where the Left holds significant sway, should take note of the opposition’s candidate and what he represents.

The Salwa Judum Case

Salwa Judum, launched in 2005, was a state-backed tribal movement aimed at countering Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh. Composed largely of tribal youths trained and armed as Special Police Officers (SPOs), the group quickly became controversial for alleged human rights abuses, displacement of villagers, and the recruitment of minors. In July 2011, the Supreme Court, with Justice Sudershan Reddy on the bench, struck down the militia, calling it unconstitutional. The Court held that using poorly trained tribal youths in armed combat violated the principles of equality and the right to life under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The judgment ordered the disbanding of Salwa Judum and the recall of all firearms provided to SPOs.

Justice Sudershan Reddy’s Profile

Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, born in 1946, began his legal career in Andhra Pradesh before serving as a judge of the state High Court and later as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. In 2007, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in 2011. His tenure was marked by landmark rulings, including the Salwa Judum verdict, which continues to shape the discourse around civil liberties and counter-insurgency. After retirement, he briefly served as the first Lokayukta of Goa and later headed a committee on caste census in Telangana. His nomination as the INDIA bloc’s vice-presidential candidate is being positioned as a reflection of his judicial integrity and constitutional values.

Political Stakes in the Vice-Presidential Election

The vice-presidential election, scheduled for September 9, 2025, is now shaping up as a fierce ideological contest. Justice Reddy will face C. P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA’s nominee and current Governor of Maharashtra. With both candidates hailing from southern India, the race also carries regional undertones, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where political equations are already volatile. Shah’s attack suggests that the BJP intends to frame the election as a referendum on national security, contrasting its hardline approach against Naxalism with the opposition’s choice of a candidate associated with a judgment perceived as sympathetic to tribals at the expense of counterinsurgency.

Broader Significance

The controversy revives a long-standing debate about the balance between constitutional rights and security imperatives. While the Salwa Judum ruling was hailed by human rights advocates as a step toward protecting vulnerable tribal populations, critics like Shah argue it weakened the state’s fight against violent extremism. Over the years, the Naxalite–Maoist insurgency has declined in intensity, but several districts in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra remain affected. The case, therefore, highlights the enduring tension between human rights and national security—an issue that remains central to India’s democratic governance.

Conclusion

Amit Shah’s attack on Justice Sudershan Reddy is not just about revisiting a decade-old judgment—it is about shaping the narrative of the vice-presidential election. For the ruling BJP, the opposition’s choice is being framed as evidence of misplaced priorities and alleged softness on extremism. For the INDIA bloc, Reddy represents constitutional principles and judicial integrity. As the election approaches, the Salwa Judum verdict has become more than a legal milestone; it is now a political battleground that reflects the larger ideological divide in Indian politics.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, News18, NDTV)