The Bar Council of India (BCI) today felicitated the new Chief Justice of India Bushan Ramkrishna Gavai, at a grand ceremony attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior advocates, bar leaders, and legal luminaries from across the country. The event, held at The Lalit, New Delhi, celebrated Justice Gavai’s remarkable journey from a young lawyer to the helm of India’s judiciary, while also reaffirming the legal fraternity’s commitment to constitutional ideals.
A Course Based on Humility and Gratitude
“It felt more like meeting family than attending a formal event,” he said, thanking the legal community to start. He reflected on his formative years as a lawyer in Nagpur, where he gained knowledge from colleagues and more experienced attorneys.
The Power of Representation and the Judiciary
Justice Gavai discussed various primary subjects in his speech but main focus was on the need to increase judiciary’s inclusivity. According to him, the gender and socioeconomic backgrounds of the judges in our courts ought to represent the actual diversity of India. He asked High Courts to recommend more people from groups that haven’t been well represented so far, like those from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
Additionally, he discussed the significance of having more female judges, particularly those with prior Supreme Court practice.He claims that having a diverse panel of judges is not just for show and that it helps the courts understand and handle the issues that different communities face on a daily basis.
Resolving Court Delays and Vacancies
Justice Gavai also discussed the length of time it takes for cases to be decided, which is one of the main issues facing the legal system. He said one of the main reasons for this delay is that many judge positions are still empty. To fix this, he asked both the judiciary and the government to work together and speed up the process of appointing new judges.
This isn’t just about numbers, he noted. Real people who are waiting for justice are impacted when cases drag on for too long. When justice is delayed, people from marginalized groups frequently feel as though they are not receiving any justice at all.
Why Judges Should Act, Not Just Speak
While speaking honestly, CJI Gavai shared why he doesn’t usually give interviews to the media. He said that judges should focus on doing their work rather than making public promises. According to him, it’s more important for judges to quietly do their duty—listen to people, think carefully, and make fair decisions—than to speak in public and raise expectations that may not always be met.His remarks demonstrated his belief that deeds should speak louder than words.
His belief that the judiciary must remain impartial and grounded, with action and integrity—rather than words or publicity—serving as the cornerstone of its credibility, is evident in this statement.
A Dedication to Upholding the Constitution
As he concluded his remarks, Justice Gavai reiterated his commitment to the Constitution and its core values of equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity. He pledged to carry out his responsibilities with humility, sincerity, and a strong sense of service to the nation. His vision, as laid out in the address, is one where the judiciary is more inclusive, more responsive, and more connected to the people it serves.
Conclusion
Justice B.R. Gavai’s address was a rare blend of personal humility and institutional vision. As the 50th Chief Justice of India—and notably, only the second from the Scheduled Caste community—his words carried weight not just because of his position, but because of the depth of thought behind them. His emphasis on representation, accountability, and quiet leadership offers an inspiring roadmap for a judiciary that is both principled and people-centric. In a time when public trust in institutions is being constantly tested, his message is both timely and hopeful.
AUTHOR
Pragya Jakhar, a second-year Lovely Professional University student pursuing a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.). Human rights and constitutional law particularly interest her. Pragya likes to write about legal subjects and is committed to improving and making the legal system more accessible to all.
Throughout the years, she has written numerous articles that examine important legal issues, and her growing comprehension of the operation of the law, both in books and in practice, allows her to contribute perceptive opinions to academic and policy discussions. She enjoys keeping up with news and significant court decisions.