On the eve of his swearing-in as India’s 52nd Chief Justice on May 14, Justice B.R. Gavai expressed profound grief over April’s terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and affirmed the Court’s duty to stand with a grieving nation.
Solidarity In Silence
Recalling how the Supreme Court marked the Pahalgam tragedy, Justice Gavai said that, despite the Chief Justice being abroad at the time, the Bench immediately observed 2 minutes of silence. “When the country is in mourning, the Supreme Court cannot remain aloof,” he stated.
Son of former Bihar governor R.S. Gavai, who embraced Buddhism alongside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Justice Gavai will be the country’s first Buddhist Chief Justice. “I worship at temples, dargahs, Jain mandirs, gurudwaras,” he noted, underscoring his interfaith outlook.
Constitution Above All
Responding to claims of judicial overreach, he cited the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati judgment: “People may say anything, but the Constitution is supreme.” He vowed to let constitutional principles guide the Court’s decisions.
On War & Peace
Addressing global conflicts, Justice Gavai warned that prolonged warfare yields no winners. “Look at Ukraine—endless days of war have produced nothing but loss,” he said, advocating diplomacy over force.
Rejecting any political ambitions, he declared: “I will not accept posts below the CJI in protocol, including governorships.” He emphasized that, unlike his father’s political career, he intends to preserve judicial impartiality after retirement.
Call For Transparency
To bolster public trust, Justice Gavai urged High Court judges to publicly declare their assets, mirroring Supreme Court practice.
As he prepares to assume office, Justice Gavai’s remarks signal a tenure grounded in constitutional fidelity, interfaith respect, and empathy for victims of violence.
(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)
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