The Supreme Court on Friday imposed a cost of ₹7,000 on a petitioner who filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea concerning an alleged breach of protocol during Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai’s first visit to his native state of Maharashtra after assuming office.
A bench led by CJI Gavai dismissed the plea, observing that it was nothing but a “publicity interest litigation” aimed at gaining “cheap publicity”, as reported by ANI.
Senior Maharashtra officials, including top bureaucrats, faced CJI Gavai’s displeasure after they failed to attend his felicitation event in Mumbai last week.
At the event, organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, the CJI expressed his disappointment, stating, “We often speak of the three pillars of democracy — the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive — as being equal. Every constitutional organ must reciprocate and accord due respect to the others. For the first time, a person from Maharashtra is visiting the state as the Chief Justice of India. If the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police, or the Mumbai Police Commissioner do not deem it necessary to attend, it is for them to reflect upon.”
Political Backlash and Government Response
Following the incident, Opposition leaders in the state criticised the government, alleging a deliberate snub to CJI Gavai, who is known for his Ambedkarite ideology.
In response to the backlash, the state government issued revised protocol guidelines to ensure proper decorum during the CJI’s future visits to Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.
CJI Designated as Permanent State Guest
Additionally, the Maharashtra government has now officially designated the CJI as a Permanent State Guest. This status entitles the Chief Justice of India to all facilities under the State Guest Rules, including accommodation, transport, and security across Maharashtra during official visits.
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