Should Justice Reddy's Private Meeting with Lalu Prasad Yadav Raise Concerns?

New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) A group of at least 20 prominent advocates, including members from the High Court and the Supreme Court, expressed their serious concerns regarding a controversial meeting that took place between Opposition Vice Presidential candidate B. Sudarshan Reddy and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has been convicted in the notorious fodder scam linked to the misappropriation of public funds.

The advocates released a joint statement condemning the meeting, stating that such interactions by an individual vying for one of the nation’s highest constitutional roles, alongside a convicted person, raises significant questions about propriety and constitutional morality in public life.

“It is disheartening to learn that Mr. B. Sudarshan Reddy recently engaged in a private meeting with Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is infamously convicted in the fodder scam involving the misappropriation of approximately INR 940 crores of public funds from the State of Bihar,” the advocates stated.

They further noted that given Reddy's high aspirations and status, such a dubious engagement calls into question his judgment and propriety.

Describing the meeting as a worrying development, they emphasized that, despite Reddy's esteemed judicial background, he chose to associate with an individual whose criminal actions have been validated by the courts.

The statement added, “What is particularly revealing is the silence of certain factions, who typically react strongly to lesser allegations. This incident further underscores the partisan nature of those who present themselves as defenders of constitutional morality, willing to overlook serious infractions for their own interests and political gain.”

The Senior Advocates stressed that Reddy’s connection with a convicted individual constitutes a profound error in judgment and undermines the dignity of constitutional institutions. They urged the public to scrutinize this lapse.

“This lapse, especially from someone seeking a prestigious constitutional position, signifies a fundamental error in judgment that the public must fully assess,” the statement concluded.

Recently, Justice Reddy garnered support from a group of former judges after facing criticism over his previous ruling on 'Salwa Judum' and accusations that it weakened the battle against Naxalism.

“While campaigning for the Vice-President position may be based on ideology, it should be conducted with civility and respect. Critiquing the ideological stance of either candidate should be avoided,” stated the letter from the former judges.