K. Pratap Reddy, a towering figure in the legal, human rights and educational arenas of Telangana, passed away on Thursday
Hyderabad: K. Pratap Reddy, a towering figure in the legal, human rights and educational arenas of Telangana, passed away on Thursday. He was 94. He is survived by his son and two daughters and their families. His grandson Avinash Desai is a senior counsel in the Telangana High Court.
The last rites will be performed at noon on Friday at the Vaikunta Mahaprasthanam in Jubilee Hills.
Paradoxically, tragedy struck at the very moment his senior-most junior, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy (retd), was announced as the Opposition’s candidate for the Vice-President’s post.
Born on April 11, 1931, in Pothugal, Warangal district, Pratap Reddy completed his schooling in Warangal, pursued his degree in Urdu medium, and later studied law.
His illustrious career was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, public service and social equity. He was designated senior advocate by the High Court — a rare recognition in those days — acknowledging his profound legal acumen and dedication. He went on to serve two terms as a member of the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh and as president of the AP High Court Bar Association.
Pratap Reddy’s contributions went beyond his own distinguished practice. He trained more than 175 juniors, many of whom went on to become judges of the High Court and Supreme Court, including former advocate-general D. Prakash Reddy and member of Parliament S. Niranjan Reddy. Several others became senior advocates in their own right. His mentorship shaped the legal fraternity, instilling professional ethics and a commitment to justice.
His pursuit of justice extended into public life. In 1997, he chaired the commission of inquiry into alleged Maoist atrocities and police excesses. The commission’s report, accepted by the government and ordered by the High Court to be implemented, remains a landmark in the state’s commitment to human rights and accountability. He also contested the Lok Sabha election from Hyderabad on a Janata Party ticket.
Beyond the courts, Pratap Reddy was deeply engaged in education. He served as trustee of several organisations running institutions in Hyderabad and across Andhra Pradesh, and was on the Trust Board of the Mahila Abhyudaya Trust, reflecting his dedication to women’s rights and opportunities. As a lawyer and adviser, he guided minority educational institutions such as Deccan Medical College, Deccan Engineering College, Anwar-ul-Uloom College, Muffakam Jah Engineering College and Madina Educational Society, consistently advocating for access to quality education.
A staunch human rights activist and committed socialist, he was closely associated with Citizens for Democracy (CFD) and was a founder-member of the Janata Party. He also served as president of both the PUCL Andhra Pradesh chapter and the Vigil India Movement, through which he championed civil liberties and democratic values.
Pratap Reddy will be remembered not only for his legal brilliance and achievements but also for his lifelong dedication to human rights, social justice and the rule of law. As a mentor and guide, he leaves behind a legacy cherished by generations of lawyers, educational institutions and civil society. His passing marks the loss of a true stalwart whose influence will continue to inspire for years to come.
