Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has made it clear that the Supreme Court is not the “CJI’s court” but a court of collective wisdom and shared responsibilities. Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the High Court Bar Association in his hometown Nagpur, he underlined the collective nature of administrative decision-making in the Supreme Court.
"Like Justices Khanna and Lalit, I too am a firm believer in the principle that a CJI is only 'first among equals' and not the 'master of the Supreme Court'," CJI Gavai said.
CJI Gavai praised the efforts of his predecessors, Justices UU Lalit and Sanjiv Khanna, who took steps to break the notion that the Supreme Court functions at the discretion of the Chief Justice. He said many important decisions taken during their tenures were outcomes of full court sittings, which reflected the opinion of all judges and not just the CJI.
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One such decision was the recent removal of glass panels in the corridors of the Supreme Court, which were installed last year. Speaking on this, the Court clarified in a press release:
"This decision was taken by the Full Court considering the grievances of the Bar and the need to restore the original grandeur of the Supreme Court."
CJI Gavai highlighted that after assuming office, he too convened a meeting of the Full Court and ensured that important administrative decisions were taken collectively. Referring to the decisions taken on May 15, 2025, he reiterated that they were "of the entire Supreme Court and not just of CJI Gavai."
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Shifting his focus to the broader role of the judiciary, CJI Gavai emphasised the importance of judicial activism, especially when other branches of the State fail in their duties.
"Whenever the executive or the legislature fails, judicial activism becomes necessary. The judiciary must then act as the guardian of the rights of citizens," he said.
"But while judicial activism is necessary, it must not become judicial adventurism or judicial terrorism."
Describing the post of a judge as not just a job but a service to society, the CJI said he always sees himself as a student, eager to learn from everyone.
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In the matter of judicial appointments, CJI Gavai reaffirmed the Collegium's commitment to transparency, maintaining both seniority and merit.
"We are engaging with candidates and maintaining transparency. A living example of this is the appointment of Justice Atul Chandurkar to the Supreme Court."
Through his speech, CJI Gavai aimed to reinforce the idea that the Supreme Court works on the principles of equality, collective wisdom and public service, and not on individual authority.
