Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a deeply personal and emotionally charged farewell speech, Justice Duppala Venkata Ramana of the Madhya Pradesh High Court shared that his transfer from the Andhra Pradesh High Court was carried out with “ill intention to harass” him.
Speaking during his farewell function on Tuesday, Justice Ramana said he and his family were subjected to “conspiratorial scrutiny,” which caused silent suffering over time. Justice Ramana is retiring on June 2.
The Supreme Court collegium had proposed Justice Ramana’s transfer to Madhya Pradesh in August 2023. In response, he had requested a posting in Karnataka instead, citing his wife’s serious health condition.
However, the collegium rejected his request and reaffirmed its decision to transfer him to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, where he eventually served at the Indore bench.
“I was transferred from the Andhra Pradesh High Court to Madhya Pradesh without any reason,” Justice Ramana stated. “I was asked to provide options and chose Karnataka, hoping my wife could get better treatment. But it was not considered by the Honourable Supreme Court.”
He shared that his wife suffers from paroxysmal non-epileptic seizures and brain-related complications stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. “My transfer plea on humanitarian grounds was neither considered nor rejected by the then Chief Justices,” he said. “A judge like me expected positive, humanitarian consideration. I was disheartened and deeply pained. My transfer order seems to have been issued with ill intention to harass me.”
In a poignant remark, he added, “God does not forget nor forgive so easily.” He further said, “They will also suffer in another way. Positions do not last forever.”
Despite these hardships, he expressed gratitude for the support he received in Madhya Pradesh. “What seemed like a curse turned out to be a blessing. I received immense love and cooperation from my brother judges and Bar members in both Jabalpur and Indore,” he said.
‘I saw electricity for first time at age 14 ‘
Speaking about his personal life, Justice Ramana said my life journey began in a remote village. There was no electricity, roads, or basic facilities available there. When I was 14 years old, I saw electricity for the first time. My father passed away when I was 13 years old. I was raised by my mother and brother. They encouraged me to continue my studies. After facing many challenges in life, I realised there is no shortcut to success other than hard work,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “There are no shortcuts to success, only hard work. From the day I joined the judiciary, I faced conspiratorial scrutiny. My family and I suffered in silence, but I believe truth will ultimately prevail.” Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he concluded: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but in times of challenge and controversy.”
