Mumbai: Days after taking oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI), BR Gavai expressed his disappointment and concern over the lack of protocol displayed during his recent visit to Maharashtra.
Speaking at a felicitation event hosted in his honour by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, the Chief Justice noted that key state officials such as the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and the city’s Police Commissioner were not present to receive him upon arrival in Mumbai.
“When a person from Maharashtra becomes the Chief Justice of India and visits Maharashtra for the first time, if the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police, or the Mumbai Police Commissioner don’t feel it appropriate to be present, then they need to reflect on that,” the Chief Justice said.
Underscoring the importance of mutual respect among three pillars of democracy — the judiciary, legislature and executive – the CJI said that protocol is not a mere formality.
“Protocols are not something new — it’s a question of the respect one constitutional body gives to another,” the CJI remarked.
Gavai further said that he did not want to get into such minor matters, but felt the need to mention it so that people know. “If in my place there was someone else, then the provisions of Article 142 would be considered,” CJI Gavai said in a lighter vein.
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution empowers Supreme Court to issue any order necessary to deliver complete justice in cases before it, and also authorises the court to issue directives for securing the attendance of individuals.
