Former CJI NV Ramana alleges pressure tactics: ‘Cases filed against my family to coerce me’

Amaravati (Uttam Hindu News) – Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana has made a major revelation, saying that false criminal cases were filed against his family members to pressure him. Although he did not name any political party, his statement is being linked to the then YSR Congress government in the state.

“Those who defended constitutional values faced harassment. Addressing the fifth convocation of VIT-AP University, Justice Ramana said, “You all know how my family was targeted. False cases were filed against them—just to pressure me. I was not alone. During that period, all those who sympathized with the farmers' cause were intimidated.” He said that even judges who defended constitutional principles faced political pressure and harassment. Many families, who had no role in any case, also became victims of political vendetta.

In his address, Justice Ramana also mentioned the farmers' movement that was launched against the "three capitals" proposal of the then Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government. This plan called for Visakhapatnam to be the administrative capital, Amaravati the legislative capital, and Kurnool the judicial capital. Farmers from Amaravati had launched a prolonged protest against this decision, supported by numerous lawyers and jurists.

"Governments change, but courts remain steadfast," the former Chief Justice said, noting that at a time when many political parties remained silent or avoided taking a stand, "the country's jurists, lawyers, and courts remained steadfast in their constitutional duty. Governments may change, but courts and the rule of law remain the foundation of stability." He said the rule of law can only be maintained when people do not compromise integrity for their own convenience.

Amaravati Project Restarted

Recalling his association with Amaravati, Justice Ramana said, "I salute the courage of the farmers of Amaravati, who bravely resisted government pressure. The faith they showed in democracy and the judiciary is inspiring." It is worth noting that the Amaravati Capital Project has been restarted in Andhra Pradesh after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu returned to power and work is now progressing rapidly.