Former CJI NV Ramana Reveals Political Coercion Through Cases Filed Against Family Members

Amaravati:

Former Chief Justice of India NV Ramana has revealed that criminal cases were filed against his family members in an attempt to "coerce" him.

During his address at the VIT-AP University 5th Convocation, Justice Ramana highlighted how members of the judiciary who upheld constitutional principles faced pressure and persecution. Without explicitly naming the previous YSRCP government, he noted that families of judges became collateral targets of political organizations despite having no involvement.

"Most of you present here know how my family was targeted and criminal cases were filed against them. This was done solely to coerce me, and I wasn't the only one affected. During that challenging period, all those who sympathized with the farmers' cause faced intimidation and coercion," he stated on Saturday.

Justice Ramana was referencing the farmers' protests against former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government, which had abandoned Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's sole capital in favor of a "three capitals" approach. This plan designated Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital, Amaravati as the legislative capital, and Kurnool as the judicial capital.

He emphasized that when many political leaders chose to remain silent or hesitated to take positions, it was the country's jurists, lawyers, and courts who remained committed to their constitutional obligations.

Justice Ramana further remarked that while governments may change, courts and the rule of law continue to provide stability. He added that the rule of law endures only when public trust remains strong and people refuse to compromise their integrity for convenience.

"I salute the Amaravati farmers' spirit, who bravely withstood government pressure. Their struggle inspires me greatly. I also appreciate their trust in our judicial system and democratic process," the former CJI said, acknowledging his connection to Amaravati.

Since Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's government assumed power in Andhra Pradesh, the Amaravati capital project has been reinstated and is now progressing rapidly.