Legal Fraternity Bids Farewell to CJI Gavai, Hails 'People's Judge' Legacy
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India witnessed a heartfelt farewell for the 52nd Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, an event marked by warm tributes celebrating his journey from a municipal school to the nation's highest judicial office. Speakers, including his successor Justice Suryakant, lauded him as a judge defined by humility, accessibility, and an unwavering commitment to constitutional values.
The farewell function, organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), saw the legal fraternity gather to honour a Chief Justice who they described as a “guide, guardian, and a gracious presence.”
In his address, Attorney General R. Venkataramani praised Chief Justice Gavai for his “remarkable yet quiet contributions to the cause of justice.” He noted that CJI Gavai’s tenure was marked by opinions of “indelible value” that advanced constitutional principles from free speech to ecological preservation. “Simplicity and humility are virtues of the highest order… Chief Justice Gavai embodies these virtues effortlessly,” Venkataramani stated.
SCBA President Vikas Singh highlighted that CJI Gavai was a first-generation lawyer who rose to the highest office, serving as an inspiration for many. He recalled Justice Gavai's crucial role in strengthening the relationship between the bench and the bar, particularly in resolving long-standing issues like the allotment of lawyers' chambers and securing the court's auditorium for bar functions. “He truly restored the dignity of the bar,” Mr. Singh said.
Justice Suryakant, the Chief Justice-designate, shared personal anecdotes from a friendship spanning two decades, describing CJI Gavai as a companion whose “warmth and sincerity enriched my own journey.” He said, “His tenure stands as a testament to humility in power, clarity in purpose, and grace in responsibility.” He assured the bar that under his leadership, the institution would continue to function with cooperation and respect.
During the event, CJI Gavai’s judicial legacy was a central theme. Speakers recalled his landmark judgments, including those on "bulldozer justice," where he affirmed the right to shelter, his efforts to reinforce "bail is the rule," and his significant contributions to environmental jurisprudence and social justice, such as his opinion on sub-classification within reserved categories.
In his emotional farewell speech, Chief Justice Gavai expressed profound gratitude to his parents, colleagues, the bar, and his family. Reflecting on his humble beginnings, he credited the Constitution of India for making his journey possible. "I rose from a very humble background... and I could not even dream that I will reach the position where I am today," he shared.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the constitutional principles of equality, liberty, and justice, which he said guided him throughout his 40-year career as a lawyer and a judge. He concluded his address by expressing contentment with his tenure and handing over the mantle to his "dear friend," Justice Suryakant, confident in the future of the institution.