Biography of Justice N. V Ramana

Justice N. V Ramana was sworned the 48th Chief Justice of India and his journey from a student leader to that of a Chief Justice is a remarkable journey inspiring many youths.

Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana recently became the Chief Justice of India. He was born on August 27, 1957 in an agrarian family and became the first generation lawyer from his family. He enrolled as an advocate on February 10, 1983 and started practicing as a lawyer in Andhra Pradesh, High Court and then also practiced in Central Administrative Tribunal, Andhra Pradesh Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court of India.

He has vast experience in both civil and criminal cases and has also dealt in matters such as constitution, labor, Inter- State river disputes and elections. He also acted as a panel counsel for various government organizations including the Indian Railways and acted as an Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh High Court.

On June 27, 2000 he was appointed as the permanent judge and functioned as Acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court w.e.f. March 10, 2013 to May 20, 2013. His work is an inspiration for many. Among his notable works he initiated several measures for the promotion of Indian Legal system while he was acting as the President Judicial Academy of Andhra Pradesh and introduced changes in the training of Judicial officers and quasi- judicial officers from Securities and Exchange Board of India and Commissioners of Central Labor Department and Registrars of Co-operative Department.

During his tenure as a President he organized a Joint conference first ever in India for the judicial officers of all ranks such as police officers, juvenile officers, correctional services authorities, social groups and media authorities on addressing the growing menace of sexual assault on women.

While he was acting as the judge of the High Court, he directed the State to fill vacancies of public prosecutors which paved the way for speedily disposal of cases pending before the courts. He further voiced his concern over implementing the regional languages so that rural litigants can participate in the trial process hazzle free. He has authored several works of socio- legal importance and received accolades for his suggestions on the topic of ‘Global Legal Education’ in a seminar organized by the Confederation of Indian Bar.

On invitation he visited UK to study and examine the Justice Delivery System and also visited USA to assimilate their legal system.

Justice Ramana was elevated to High Court Judge in Delhi in the year 2013 and in the year 2014 he was elevated as the judge of Supreme Court. He is a member of the General Council of the National Law College, Bangalore. He is also the visitor at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam and National Law University, Delhi. Justice Ramana has been a stern supporter of judicial reforms, implementation of regional languages, alternative dispute resolution and actively promotes the use of technology. He took the oath as 48th Chief Justice of India and is considered by many bringing about paradigm shift in the judiciary. He is known for talking less but speaking with clarity of thoughts in delivering judgments and adhering to the principles of justice. From a student leader who fought for the civil liberty during emergency to the current Chief Justice of India, his life and work has been a tremendous journey and an inspiration for many to come.