Draft:PADMANABHA REDDY CHAGARI

Chagari Padmanabha Reddy (born 18 March 1931, died 4 August 2013 ) was an Indian lawyer known for his role in defending political detainees and advocating for judicial reform.

Early life and education
Padmanabha Reddy was born in Yadiki, Andhra Pradesh, to Obula Reddy, a Licensed Medical Practitioner, and Somakka. He studied initially in a street school in Yadiki and later attended Municipal High School in Tadipatri. His education continued at London Mission High School in Gooty and Government College in Anantapur, where he earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1950.

Legal career
Initially aspiring to become a doctor like his father, Padmanabha Reddy shifted to law and completed his B.L. from Madras University in 1952. He started his legal career under his cousin, Chinnappa Reddy, by then a prominent lawyer in Madras.

Padmanabha Reddy gained prominence for his defense of political detainees, particularly during the Emergency period and the aftermath of the Naxalite movement. He became quite famous as an experienced and talented criminal lawyer in the High Court of AP with unequalled prowess in that field. He was associated with leftist ideologies and was active in civil liberties associations. His activities on these fronts and especially his defence of several naxalite prisoners in those days were perhaps an obstacle for his elevation to High Court Judge it was believed. However, that lacuna was historically filled by his son Sri Praveen Kumar becoming a Judge of High Court later (and also retiring on 22-02-2023 as Judge of AP High Court).

Advocacy and reforms
Throughout his career, Padmanabha Reddy advocated for judicial reforms, emphasizing transparent judicial appointments and the establishment of a National Judicial Commission. He highlighted the challenges within the justice system, including delays in case disposal and the need for stronger human rights protections.

Legacy
Padmanabha Reddy's legacy extends beyond his legal career, inspiring those who value justice, equality, and civil liberties. He remained active in progressive lawyers' associations until his death in 2013.