New Delhi, November 23:On his final day as the Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai addressed the growing concerns posed by social media, acknowledging its impact on the judiciary and other branches of government. During an interaction with the press, he noted that social media has become a significant issue, particularly in its role of misattributing statements to individuals, which affects not just the judiciary but all governmental institutions.
"As social media evolves, it continues to be a problem, especially with the spreading of false statements attributed to people, including judges, which creates challenges for the judiciary and all arms of government," CJI Gavai remarked.
The first Buddhist to hold the esteemed office of CJI, Gavai demitted office on Sunday, confirming that he had no intentions of taking up any official post post-retirement. However, he hinted at his future involvement in social work, particularly in tribal areas, a cause he feels deeply connected to. "Social work is in our blood," he shared, adding that he would decide on his future endeavors after taking some rest.
During his tenure, CJI Gavai was instrumental in shaping pivotal legal decisions. Some of his key rulings included clarifying the constitutional roles of Governors and the President in relation to pending bills, as well as addressing the limits of executive delay. He also delivered significant judgments on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, upholding the principle of "creamy layer" for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in accessing affirmative action benefits, and famously criticized the practice of "bulldozer justice."
His recent decision on the President's reference, Gavai clarified, did not reverse an earlier two-judge bench ruling but simply provided guidelines for future cases.
CJI Gavai earned national recognition for his composure following an attempted attack in his court earlier this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed admiration for his calm demeanor, calling the act "utterly condemnable" and commending the CJI for his steadfast commitment to justice. "The calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such an incident highlights his dedication to the values of justice and strengthens the spirit of our Constitution," PM Modi remarked.
When he took office in May, CJI Gavai proudly embraced his heritage as the first Buddhist to hold the position. Reflecting on his father’s embrace of Buddhism alongside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he shared, "I take pride in becoming the first Buddhist Chief Justice of this country. My father followed Buddhism with Baba Saheb Ambedkar, and it is a significant personal and historical moment."
Despite his strong personal faith, CJI Gavai expressed his respect for all religions, stating, "I believe in all religions. I visit temples, dargahs, Jain temples, and gurdwaras—I have deep respect for all faiths."
