Passing 'bulldozer order' was my most important: CJI Gavai
What's the story
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai has retired from his position, with Friday, 21 November, being his last working day. During a farewell function at the Supreme Court Bar Association, he named his judgment against "bulldozer justice" as his most important one. He emphasized that such actions contravene the rule of law and violate the right to shelter. "How can a house be demolished just because a person is accused of a crime or convicted of it?" he asked.
Equality perspective
CJI Gavai's stance on equality and reservations
CJI Gavai also spoke about his judgment on sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for job reservations. He argued that it was necessary to address real inequality, citing Ambedkar's views that equality does not necessarily mean equal treatment for all. He reminisced about a law clerk from an SC community who chose not to avail himself of reservation benefits due to his privileged background.
Collegium dynamics
CJI Gavai's approach to collegium meetings
During his tenure, CJI Gavai broke the mold of a CJI-centric Supreme Court by always consulting his colleagues in collegium meetings. He was instrumental in appointing 107 judges to the High Courts during his short tenure. However, not all meetings were congenial as Justice BV Nagarathna protested against recommending Justice Vipul M Pancholi for the Supreme Court.
Environmental advocacy
CJI Gavai's commitment to environmental protection
CJI Gavai, who headed the Supreme Court's green bench for three years, delivered his first judgment as CJI on protecting forest land in Pune and his last on safeguarding the Aravali Hills. His four-decade-long legal career was guided by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's principles of justice, equality, and liberty. The courtroom farewell lasted over one and a half hours, with senior advocates praising his humble and compassionate demeanor.