Former CJI NV Ramana alleges pressure tactics through targeting of family members

New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana has alleged that cases were filed against his family members to mount pressure on him during his tenure. Speaking at the 5th convocation of VIT-AP University, Justice Ramana said his family had been deliberately targeted to influence him, though he refrained from naming any political party.

Without directly referring to the ruling YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh, he remarked that judges upholding constitutional principles had faced intimidation and harassment, while their families, despite having no political role, were made victims of political vendetta.

“Many of you are aware of how my family was targeted and criminal cases were filed against them just to pressurize me. I was not alone — everyone who expressed sympathy for farmers during that period faced threats and coercion,” Ramana stated.

He was referring to the farmers’ agitation against the three-capital plan of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, which sought to divide Andhra Pradesh’s capital between Visakhapatnam (administrative), Amaravati (legislative), and Kurnool (judicial).

Praising the Amaravati farmers’ resilience, Justice Ramana said, “I salute the courage of the farmers who stood firm against the might of the government. Their struggle inspired me deeply. I thank them for keeping faith in the judiciary and democratic process.”

He emphasized that while governments may change, courts and the rule of law must remain the foundation of stability. “The rule of law survives only when people refuse to compromise their integrity for convenience,” he said, asserting faith in judicial independence.

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