Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Sunday expressed his disappointment over a lapse in protocol during his first visit to Maharashtra after assuming the top post in the judiciary. He noted the absence of the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Mumbai Police Commissioner, none of whom were present to receive him.
Gavai, who took oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on May 14, was in Mumbai to attend a felicitation event organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
Speaking at the event, the CJI remarked, “If the Chief Secretary of the state, DGP or the Mumbai police commissioner does not want to come there, when the CJI, who is from Maharashtra, has arrived for the first time, it's up to them to think about whether it is right or not.”
Although he clarified that he did not want to dwell on “such small issues,” Gavai emphasised the importance of mutual respect among the three pillars of democracy — executive, legislature, and judiciary. “All three pillars of democracy are equal and must reciprocate and show and give respect to one another,” he said.
He further added, “When a chief of an organ or institution is coming for the first time to the state, especially when he too belongs to the said state, whether the treatment they gave was right or not, they themselves should think.”
While reiterating that he was not insisting on strict adherence to protocol, the CJI said he felt it necessary to highlight the matter so people are aware. “If in my place there was someone else, then the provisions of Article 142 would be considered,” Gavai said in a lighter vein.
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary to ensure complete justice in matters before it, including orders to secure the presence of individuals.
After the event, CJI went to Chaitya Bhoomi, where Chief Secretary, DGP and CP were present.
