Justice DV Ramana addresses emotional farewell, alleging harassment over High Court transfer decision.
Why in News
Justice DV Ramana claims transfer harassment calling his move from Andhra to MP unjust and emotionally painful.
Issue
Justice DV Ramana Transfer Controversy (2023)-Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana vs Supreme Court Collegium (Transfer from Andhra Pradesh High Court to Madhya Pradesh High Court)
Overview
The ongoing debate over judicial transfers took a personal and emotional turn when Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana who was appointed to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2022 alleged that his transfer to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in 2023 was not administrative but punitive in nature . Justice Ramana set to retire on 2nd June 2025, spoke out during his farewell address, stating that his plea for a transfer to Karnataka to care for his ailing wife was ignored by the Supreme Court Collegium which instead moved him to a state far from home .
Key Aspects
Justice Ramana’s speech was a direct and emotional appeal expressing disappointment with the lack of humanitarian consideration . He hinted at being targeted and shared how the silence of the authorities affected him deeply .
- He alleged that the transfer order was issued with ill intention, stating “They will suffer,” in reference to those responsible .
- His request to be moved to Karnataka for his wife’s treatment at NIMHANS was turned down without any recorded reason .
- He submitted two representations dated 19-07-24 and 28-08-24, highlighting his wife’s critical condition (PNES) yet received no response .
- “The judge like me expects positive humanitarian consideration. I was disheartened and deeply pained,” he shared .
- In a strong statement, he said, “God does not forgive, nor forgets. They will also suffer in other mode .”
Despite it all, he gracefully acknowledged the support he received, saying :
“I had an opportunity to serve in the land of Amravati, Krishna and Godavari and Narmada. I have truly served justice. I am blessed for these opportunities .”
Legal Insights
The incident reignites debates around the Collegium system and judicial accountability . Justice Ramana’s case has thrown light on how personal circumstances are often sidelined in administrative decisions .
- The transfer was made under Article 222 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President to transfer judges after consultation with the Chief Justice of India .
- The Supreme Court Collegium led then by CJI DY Chandrachud cited “no merit” in his transfer request .
- His case raises critical concerns about the lack of transparency and absence of written justification in Collegium decisions .
- It questions whether enough humanitarian and medical considerations are factored into judicial administrative actions .
Conclusion
The Justice DV Ramana claims transfer harassment episode highlights the need for judicial reforms that prioritize both constitutional validity and empathetic administration . His statements open a broader discussion on the emotional toll of opaque transfers and the importance of compassion and clarity in the functioning of the judiciary .
Source-Official YouTube channel of Mp high court
Read also– Article 222 of Indian Constitution
