Justice Mandagadde Rama Jois (27 July 1931 – 16 February 2021) was an Indian politician and judge who served as a member of Rajya Sabha, as governor of Jharkhand and Bihar states, and as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was also a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India.
Rama Jois was born to Babburkamme Brahmin parents, Narasimha Jois and Lakshmidevamma on 27 July 1931 at Araga village, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India. He studied in Shivamogga and Bengaluru and acquired B.A., B.L.degrees and was given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Kuvempu University.
He is a noted writer and historian having written several books on Service Law, Habeas Corpus Law, Constitutional Law, etc. His most known two-volume book "Legal and Constitutional History of India", considered as a previous volume, is a textbook for Law Degree course. His other well known book is "Seeds of Modern Public Law in Ancient Indian Jurisprudence". His other works include "Historic Legal Battle", " Dharma - The Global Ethic" etc. His views on Dharma and Manu Smriti are of immense value, as they have been simplified for the understanding of the common man.
During The Emergency (India) 1975-77, imposed by Indira Gandhi, he was imprisoned and lodged in the Bengaluru Central Jail. He was lodged along with A B Vajapayee, L K Advani, Madhu Dandavate etc. in Bengaluru prison. He is recognised with Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka.
He relinquished the post of Judge of the Karnataka High Court, protesting injustice, as he was overlooked to be posted as a Supreme Court Judge.
He was married to Smt. Vimala, has two children and three grandchildren. He resided in Bengaluru, India. His son M. R. Shailendra and daughter M. R. Tara are both advocates in the city of Bengaluru, India.
Rama Jois died from a heart attack on 16 February 2021 at 7:30 AM in his residence at Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, India.
His last rites were held at Hindu burial-ground in Chamarajpet, Bengaluru, India.