Ex-CJI N. V. Ramana Faces Backlash Over Comments Against Jagan Government

Former Chief Justice of India N. V. Ramana has found himself at the center of a social media storm after alleging that his family was subjected to a “witch-hunt” during the tenure of YSR Congress Party chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Speaking emotionally at a convocation ceremony at a private university in Amaravati, Justice Ramana said that he and his family were “targeted and pressured” by the Jagan-led government before 2024. He claimed that there were attempts to intimidate him and involve the families of judges in political games.

He also praised the Amaravati farmers’ five-year-long protest against the three-capital proposal, calling their movement an inspiration, and appreciated the university for enduring challenges during those turbulent years.

However, instead of drawing sympathy, his remarks sparked widespread trolling and criticism online — including from Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supporters, with whom he was once believed to have close ties.

Critics accused the former CJI of shedding “crocodile tears,” questioning why he had not taken firm action on key cases involving Jagan Mohan Reddy while serving as Chief Justice. Many social media users pointed to the disproportionate assets case and the Vivekananda Reddy murder case, wondering why those proceedings did not progress faster under his watch.

Some also questioned his past interactions with Jagan, including attending events in the chief minister’s presence and reportedly meeting him privately at the Novotel Hotel in Vijayawada during his tenure.

Posts on social media reflected disappointment and skepticism, with one user writing, “It’s one thing to occupy the CJI’s chair, but what did you actually achieve while you were in it?”

Justice Ramana’s attempt to portray himself as a victim of political vendetta appears to have backfired, reigniting debates on judicial neutrality, accountability, and the fine line between politics and the judiciary.