CJI Gavai focuses on key role of ‘judges’, says ‘they can’t ignore ground realities, societal problems’

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai delivered a compelling address, emphasising the crucial role of judges in understanding and responding to societal realities at the Bar Council of India (BCI) felicitation event. BCI held a felicitation function on Saturday (May 17) in Delhi to honour the 52nd CJI following his recent appointment. Justice Gavai firmly stated that today’s judiciary cannot afford to view legal matters in strict black-and-white terms while ignoring the complexities of human experiences.

CJI Gavai recalled his initial hesitation in accepting the judgeship as his father had told him that continuing as a lawyer would bring financial prosperity, but also underscored that serving as a judge in a constitutional court would allow him to carry forward Dr BR Ambedkar’s vision of social and economic justice. Choosing to abide by his father’s advice, Justice Gavai reflected with satisfaction on his 22-year tenure as a High Court judge and six years as a Supreme Court judge, asserting that he had always strived to give his best to the judicial system. The CJI stressed that isolation is not an effective approach for those in the judiciary, dismissing the notion that Supreme Court judges should refrain from engaging with people.

He has consistently championed inclusivity in judicial appointments, advocating for the representation of marginalised communities and women. He recalled a significant conference attended by former CJI DY Chandrachud and various High Court Chief Justices, where Chandrachud urged them to actively consider candidates from underrepresented sections of society for judicial roles.

Acknowledging the challenges in identifying women candidates for certain positions, Justice Gavai encouraged Chief Justices to consider highly skilled female advocates from the Supreme Court pool. He expressed optimism about the success of these efforts, assuring that the positive impact of these inclusivity measures would be visible soon. Justice Gavai also highlighted the pressing issue of judicial vacancies, noting that these gaps contribute significantly to case pendency. He reaffirmed the Collegium’s commitment to reducing vacancies and urged the executive to adopt a cooperative approach in expediting appointments. His vision for a more responsive and effective judiciary centred on collaboration between different branches of governance.

He concluded his speech by sharing a milestone- the first appointment he cleared as CJI was of a judge from an extremely marginalised community in Karnataka. This decision, he emphasised, reflects his commitment to social justice and the belief that a judiciary must reflect the diversity of the society it serves. 

CJI BR Gavai affirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised in his honour by the Bar Council of India (BCI), Justice Gavai, who took oath as the 52nd CJI on May 14, emphasised his dedication to ensure that constitutional promises reach the broad spectrum of Indian society.

“The only thing I can say is that whatever short period that I have, I will do my best to stand by my oath to uphold the rule of law, to uphold the Constitution of India,” he said. Highlighting the enduring significance of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment, the CJI called it a cornerstone for resolving constitutional tensions.

“Wherever there is a conflict between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, the Kesavananda Bharati case has been our guiding light. It teaches us that both are together the soul of our Constitution,” he said.

The CJI reflected on his four-decade journey in the legal field, sharing personal anecdotes that underscored his connection with the legal community.

“From 1985 to 2023, I was a member of the Bar, and after my retirement in November 2025, I will be one again. This is like a family celebration for me,” he said. He spoke about his initial ambition to become an architect, and how his father’s admiration for Dr BR Ambedkar steered him toward law. “My father couldn’t fulfil his dream of becoming a lawyer due to imprisonment during his youth, but he hoped one of his sons would. As the eldest, I chose to honour his wish,” he said.

Justice Gavai also shared a pivotal moment in his career when he debated whether to accept the role of Government Pleader, citing financial concerns. Encouraged by then-Justice Sharad Bobde, who advised that the post could accelerate his path to judgeship, Gavai accepted the role, and was offered a high court judgeship within six months. Recalling his transition from the high court to the Supreme Court, he said the learning curve was steep.

He credited Justice Rohinton Nariman for encouraging him to master new domains, such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and for pushing him to author judgments in these complex areas. A strong advocate for representation and inclusivity, CJI Gavai urged high courts to recommend more women and candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes for judicial appointments.

“If there are no suitable women candidates in the high courts, I have suggested they look to the Supreme Court Bar where many capable women advocates practise,” he said.

He also candidly expressed his reluctance to give media interviews, humorously noting that promises made in such interactions often become points of criticism. “I avoid interviews because I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.”

Justice Gavai also described the event as a reflection of India’s unity in diversity.

“Today’s function is a true function of diversity in India which we always believe. Our Constitution has been so drafted so as to suit the various in our country: we have geographical diversities, we have regional diversities, we have people from different religions, different castes, we have diversity in economic status of people,” he said.

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, addressing the gathering, echoed sentiments of hope and trust from the legal fraternity.

“Those without godfathers, those not related to judges but who are deserving, must also get the opportunity to become senior advocates and judges. The legal community expects that under CJI Gavai’s leadership, merit and social representation will be the benchmarks,” he said.

(With agencies inputs)