Through a confidential in-house enquiry, the Supreme Court has reportedly dismissed the complaint against Justice NV Ramana for allegedly influencing the judges of Andhra Pradesh High Court in politically sensitive matters for passing adverse orders against the state government.
The statement available on the Supreme Court website reads, “A complaint dated 6th October, 2020 sent by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to the Supreme Court was dealt with under the In House Procedure and the same, on due consideration, stands dismissed. It be noted that all the matters dealt with under the In-House Procedure being strictly confidential in nature, are not liable to be made public.”
Interestingly, Justice NV Ramana is set to become the next Chief Justice of India by April 24, 2021 after the retirement of incumbent CJI, SA Bobde on April 23, according to Bar & Bench.
According to LiveLaw, the CM had narrated a series of events in which the High Court had passed unfavourable orders against major decisions taken by Reddy’s government, such as the move to enquire into corruption allegations behind major land deals during the TDP-regime, the three capital bills, and the stay on SIT enquiry in Amaravati land scam case.
The complaint reads, “In my respectful view, the subject matter may be looked into by your esteemed good selves to consider initiating such steps as may be considered fit and proper, to ensure that the State Judiciary’s neutrality is maintained. Further material if any, corroborative of the above contents and the enclosed annexures, shall be made available by me to your esteemed institution to substantiate the above.”
After the publication of the complaint, a petition was filed before the Attorney General of India, KK Venugopal, seeking consent to initiate contempt proceedings against the CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, as per LiveLaw. Though the AG declined consent, he opined that the conduct of the Andhra CM and his advisor was “prima facie contumacious”.
The statement may be read here:
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