NUTHALAPATI VENKATA RAMANA

“Although cherished in our heart as a ‘Paradise on Earth’, the history of this beautiful land is etched with violence and militancy. While the mountains of Himalayas spell tranquility, yet blood is shed every day. In this land of inherent contradictions, these petitions add to the list, wherein two sides have shown two different pictures which are diametrically opposite and factually irreconcilable.” {Opening lines from J&K Order}

Services‍

Previously, he was the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and the acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court. He has additionally served as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Judicial Academy He is expected to retire on 26 August 2022. 

Notable Judgements

2017:

1. Swaraj Abhiyan v. Union of India

Justice Ramana authored a separate concurring opinion, criticizing the poor implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013. He denounced the States for failing to appoint a District Level Grievance Officer and the State Food Commission conduct social audits and establish State Vigilance Committees.

2. Excel Crop Care Ltd v. Competition Commission of India

Justices Ramana and AK Sikri settled a pedantic issue in India’s antitrust jurisprudence thereby upholding the principle of ‘relevant turnover’ for determining penalties in competition law contraventions.

2016:

1. Jindal Stainless Steel v. State of Haryana

A nine-judge bench upheld the validity of states’ entry tax on goods entering from other states. Justice Ramana being a part of the 7 judge majority held that it is constitutional for states to impose a tax on goods imported from other states to protect local goods from undue discrimination.

2015:

1. Adi Saiva Sivachariyargal Nala Sangam v. Government of Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court bench held the appointment of Archakas in temples must be done in respect with the Agamas (treatises on temple construction, idol installation, and deity worship). They also specified that appointments are subject to constitutional principles.

2. Shreya Vidyarthi v. Ashok Vidyarthi

The Supreme Court bench held that women cannot become the Karta of a joint family. However, they can be the managers in particular circumstances as the manager’s role is distinct from that of the Karta.

Details 

Justice Ramana has practiced in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Andhra Pradesh, and Central Administrative Tribunals, and the Supreme Court, specializing in constitutional, criminal, service, and inter-state river laws. He filled in as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government and Standing Counsel for Railways in the Central Administrative Tribunal at Hyderabad. He additionally served as Additional Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh.

In 2000, Justice Ramana was delegated as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and in 2013, he was its Acting Chief Justice for two months. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court in September 2013.

With tenure of 8 years in the Supreme Court of India, he is in line to become the next Chief Justice of India (with effect from 24 April 2021) after superannuation of Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde.