New Delhi, May 17: Chief Justice of India, Justice B R Gavai, underscored the essential role of judges in engaging with the realities of society during a felicitation event hosted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) in New Delhi. The event was held in honour of Justice Gavai's appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
Addressing the legal fraternity, CJI Gavai emphasized that judges today must move beyond rigid interpretations of law and remain sensitive to the complexities of human experience. “A judge cannot ignore ground realities,” he asserted, stressing that justice must be both principled and compassionate.
Reflecting on his journey, Justice Gavai shared that he once hesitated to join the judiciary, influenced by his father’s advice that a legal practice could offer financial security. However, he ultimately chose a judicial path inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of social and economic justice. With over two decades on the bench—including 22 years as a High Court judge and six years in the Supreme Court—he said he remained committed to giving his best to the system.
Justice Gavai rejected the notion that Supreme Court judges should remain isolated, instead advocating for greater engagement and inclusivity. He has consistently supported increasing the representation of marginalised communities and women in the judiciary.
He recalled a pivotal conference led by former CJI D Y Chandrachud and attended by High Court Chief Justices, where there was a strong push to consider candidates from underrepresented groups. Acknowledging that finding qualified women candidates for certain roles can be challenging, Justice Gavai urged Chief Justices to identify competent female advocates from the Supreme Court bar. He expressed confidence that these inclusive initiatives would bear fruit shortly.
CJI Gavai also pointed to the high number of judicial vacancies as a key factor contributing to case backlogs. He reiterated the Collegium’s commitment to filling these gaps and called on the executive branch to work in tandem with the judiciary to expedite appointments.
He concluded by highlighting a meaningful milestone from his early days as Chief Justice—the first judge he recommended for appointment hailed from an extremely marginalised community in Karnataka. This, he said, was a reflection of his dedication to ensuring the judiciary mirrors the diverse fabric of Indian society.
