The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently honored the new Chief Justice of India, Justice Bushan Ramkrishna Gavai, at a grand ceremony held at The Lalit, New Delhi. The event was attended by judges from the Supreme Court and various High Courts, senior advocates, bar leaders, and prominent legal personalities from across the country. This felicitation celebrated Justice Gavai’s inspiring journey from a young lawyer to leading India’s highest judiciary, while reinforcing the legal community’s dedication to upholding constitutional values.
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In an emotional speech, CJI Gavai expressed heartfelt thanks to the legal fraternity, calling the occasion a “family function.” Reflecting on his 40 years with the bar — initially as a lawyer, then a judge, and now as Chief Justice — he said,
“From March 16, 1985, till November 14, 2003, I was your member. After November 24, 2025, I will be your member again. Today's felicitation feels like a celebration with my own family.”
Sharing memories from his early career in Nagpur, he recalled how senior advocates advised him to move from Mumbai for better opportunities. He proudly noted,
“Within a few years, I had a thriving practice — proof that regional bars nurture great talent.”
CJI Gavai highlighted that his judicial philosophy is deeply influenced by Dr. Ambedkar’s constitutional ideals and his father’s activism. He revealed his initial hesitation to accept the judgeship,
“My father said if I stayed a lawyer, I could earn lots of money. But as a constitutional court judge, I could carry forward Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy of social and economic justice. Today, I am happy I followed his advice.”
He urged for more diversity in judicial appointments, encouraging High Courts to recommend more women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBC candidates. On this, he stated,
“On a personal note, I have spoken to many Chief Justices that if they do not have a woman candidate, they should consider the talented women advocates practicing in the Supreme Court. To some extent, we have succeeded.”
Addressing the pressing problem of case pendency, CJI Gavai called for a joint effort between the judiciary and the government to promptly fill vacancies.
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“I request the Laureate Solicitor to convey to the executive that by a cooperative approach, we must minimize vacancies strictly, so the pendency issue can be somewhat resolved.”
CJI Gavai shared his reluctance to give interviews, explaining that judges should stay connected to society to understand its problems better but avoid making public promises. He remarked,
“I am somewhat shy. Some say it is not good for a Supreme Court judge, especially a future CJI, to mix much with people, but I don’t believe in isolation. Unless you know society, you won’t understand its problems. Today’s judge can’t decide matters only by black and white laws, ignoring ground realities.”
He added,
“I don’t give interviews because I cannot make promises. I don’t believe in making promises only to be criticized later for not fulfilling them. Friends from the press themselves criticize that judges make many promises but don’t deliver.”
Rejecting grand promises, CJI Gavai vowed to serve with humility and dedication during his tenure.
“The only thing I can say is that in the short period I have, I will do my best to uphold the rule of law and the Constitution of India, and try to reach the common people. The vision of the Constitution — social, economic, and political equality — must become a reality.”
