Chief Justice Gavai Underscores Protocol Lapse by Maharashtra Executive, Urges Mutual Respect Among Constitutional Institutions
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In a pointed yet measured public address, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai &mdash; who recently assumed office as the country&rsquo;s 52th Chief Justice and only the second Dalit to hold the post &mdash; drew attention to a conspicuous breach of protocol by senior members of the Maharashtra executive during his official visit to his home state.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, Justice Gavai noted the absence of three key officials: the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Mumbai Police. His remarks, delivered with judicial restraint but unmistakable intent, served as a subtle critique of the executive's failure to observe the norms of constitutional courtesy.
&ldquo;The three pillars of democracy &mdash; the Judiciary, the Legislature and the Executive &mdash; are co-equal in status and responsibility. It is imperative that every constitutional institution reciprocates respect and recognition for the others,&rdquo; the Chief Justice stated before a distinguished gathering of legal professionals in Mumbai.
He continued: &ldquo;When someone from Maharashtra rises to become the Chief Justice of India and visits the state for the first time in that capacity, the absence of its top bureaucrats and law enforcement officers is something that demands introspection. Protocols are not a matter of personal prestige; they reflect the dignity and mutual regard among institutions established by the Constitution.&rdquo;
In a reference laced with irony, Justice Gavai further observed that had such a lapse been committed by the judiciary, debates around Article 142 &mdash; which grants expansive powers to the Supreme Court to deliver &lsquo;complete justice&rsquo; &mdash; would likely have been reignited. &ldquo;These may appear to be minor issues, but it is necessary that the public be made aware of such instances,&rdquo; he added.
Following his speech, the Chief Justice visited Chaitya Bhoomi, the memorial of Dr B.R. Ambedkar in Dadar. Notably, the Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, DGP Rashmi Shukla, and Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti were present at this stage of the visit &mdash; seemingly after taking cognisance of the Chief Justice&rsquo;s earlier remarks.
When queried by the press at Chaitya Bhoomi about his observations, the Chief Justice clarified: &ldquo;I am not someone who is fussy about protocol. I merely stated the facts as they occurred.&rdquo;
Justice Gavai&rsquo;s composed yet firm address arrives at a moment when the delicate balance between India&rsquo;s judiciary and executive branches is under heightened scrutiny, with ongoing public discourse concerning judicial overreach and institutional boundaries. His remarks serve as a quiet but firm reaffirmation of the need for institutional decorum and constitutional civility &mdash; particularly in moments that symbolise unity and shared purpose among the branches of state.

Chief Justice Gavai stresses need for respect among constitutional institutions in Mumbai

CJI Gavai Flags Protocol Breach in Maharashtra

Chief Justice Gavai stresses need for respect among constitutional institutions in Mumbai

May 19, 2025 | 10:46 IST