“Justice Ramana’s proximity with Mr. Chandrababu Naidu is too well-known”; Read what Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote in his letter to CJI

“Sri Justice Ramana’s proximity with Mr. Chandrababu Naidu is too well-known. I am making this statement with utmost responsibility.”  

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has written to the Chief Justice of India Justice SA Bobde accusing Justice NV Ramana, the sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India and also the next in line to become the Chief Justice of India, of attempting to destabilize and topple the YSR Congress government in the state.

In the 8-page letter to CJI dated 06.10.2020, Reddy refers to Justice Ramana’s close proximity to N. Chandrababu Naidu, TDP Leader and former Chiel Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the involvement, as recorded in the preliminary findings of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, of his two daughters, some of his close associates and relatives in the illegal purchase of land of about 4000 acres which later came to be notified as the location for the new capital.

“Such transactions of sale and purchase of property could not have been taken place without the knowledge and acquiescence of Justice N.V. Ramana for the simple reason that just a year before such purchase, in his declaration of assets as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, it is shown that his 2 daughters are dependant members of his family. NO information is available in public domain for the years 2014 and 2015.”

Reddy has also enclosed the copy of opinions highlighting the identity of views and expressions between Chandrababu Naidu and Justice Ramana, about the fitness of candidates considered for elevation as judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

“All the beneficiaries of the illegal transaction needed to protect their interests and cover up their misdeeds.”

Not only this, the letter further accuses Justice Ramana of influencing the sittings of the High Court including the roster of a few judges and instances of how matters important to TDP have been allocated to a few judges.

The letter highlights the order passed by CJ Maheshwari in a writ petition filed by Dammalpati Srinivas, former Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh and alleged close associate of Justice Ramana, the letter states, that stayed the investigation of FIR against Srinivas and imposed a gag order on the press.

It states that the beneficiary of such orders is clearly and exclusively the members of TDP of which Justice Ramana was the legal adviser. This demonstrates the bias in State Judiciary towards TDP and it’s interests.

Jagan Mohar Reddy requested the CJI to look into the matter and

“… consider initiating such steps as may considered fit and proper, to ensure that the State judiciary’s neutrality is maintained.”

Jagan Mohan Reddy’s image courtesy: YSR Congress’s Official Website