Chandraiah inspired few generations: Villagers

Villagers from Thimmapur and nearby areas remembered former HRC chairman Gunda Chandraiah as an inspiration who guided and supported thousands. The retired High Court judge, who passed away at 72, was praised for helping poor litigants and motivating youth to excel

Mancherial: Villagers recalled that former HRC chairman Gunda Chandraiah had inspired a few generations by excelling in the judiciary. Chandraiah (72), a native of Thimmapur in Jannaram mandal, passed away in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Many people from Thimmapur and surrounding villages recounted that Chandraiah, a Dalit, had motivated, guided and extended financial aid to the needy. He argued cases on behalf of financially weak petitioners free of cost. They opined that he left a profound impact on thousands of people from the Luxettipet region over a period of time.

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K Rajanna, a retired judge from Kothapet village, said that he had ventured into the field of law after drawing inspiration from Chandraiah. “I idolised him for being a judge from this region. He used to encourage and guide me to succeed in this field. He was the first person from a remote village to enter the field and rise as a judge of the High Court,” he remarked.

Athmaram, an employee of the cooperative department, recalled that Chandraiah was a role model and a kind and gentle man. He remarked that Chandraiah had inspired around 5,000 people, who excelled in various fields by taking inspiration from him. Chandraiah exemplified that despite challenges and oppression, one could prove one’s mettle in a field if determined.

Chandraiah had studied in Thimmapur before pursuing LLB and LLM from Osmania University. Beginning his legal practice in 1980, Chandraiah went on to serve as a judge in various district courts. He was the first chairman of the Telangana Legal Services Authority. He was elevated as a judge of the High Court in 2016. Following his retirement in 2019, he was appointed as THRC chairman.