Sarma - a judge who stood like rock
Hyderabad: While the bail-for-cash scam involving several judges in the Gali Janardhan Reddy case rocked the state, the faith of people in the judicial system appeared to be ebbing out. But it certainly need not be so, a lone judge proved.
Naga Maruti Sarma, a 1987 batch judicial officer, was one among those who was reportedly offered crores of rupees as bribe to grant bail for the mining baron by mediators, when he was serving as a Special Judge for CBI cases.
He refused to get tempted, going by the confessional statements of some of the accused themselves.
Even some of his friends reportedly tried to convince him to accept the 'life time chance', which he flatly rejected.
Incidentally, soon after Sarma moved away from the CBI court on transfer, another judge Pattabhirama Rao,who was appointed in his place, succumbed to it and is now in the jail.
The bail sanctioned to V Vijaysai Reddy in the disproportionate assets case registered against Y S Jaganmohan Reddy is considered by many as a significant order given by Sarma. Sarma granted bail on April 13 but the High Court cancelled it after CBI challenged the same.
The cancellation was on the ground that the Special Judge did not apply his mind to the case while granting bail.
The accused surrendered before the trial court as per the HC direction and there were fresh arguments. Sarma heard the prolonged arguments and granted bail again mentioning the reasons for his decision elaborately.
It was found to be so impeccable that the High Court later upheld the trial court order despite CBI's strong contention for cancellation of the bail.
Sarma had served mostly in family courts and worked in Kakinada and Warangal before going to Hyderabad as a CBI court judge. He experienced several sad moments in his life.
He lost his son, an IITian, who got drowned. Once Sarma escaped with minor injuries when there was an acid attack on him at Kakinada where an accused alleged that he was delaying judgement in his case.
Actually it was a misunderstanding on the part of the litigant, according to informed sources. He has been finding solace in spiritualism ever since he had lost his son.
News Posted: 24 July, 2012
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