CJI BR Gavai inaugurated a new court building in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s ancestral village, praising the Constitution. He said, “The country remains united because of Ambedkar’s Constitution,” highlighting its role in keeping India strong through challenges.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inaugurated a new court building in Mandangad, located in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, marking a significant advancement in enhancing judicial access in the Konkan region.
The inauguration held symbolic importance, as Mandangad Taluka is the ancestral home of Dr. BR Ambedkar in Ambadve. To honor his legacy, Justice Gavai unveiled a statue of Dr. Ambedkar alongside murals illustrating key milestones from his life.
Justice Gavai emphasized that grassroots judicial infrastructure is vital for building public trust in the legal system and fulfilling the promise of accessible justice.
He stated,
“The country has remained united and on the path of development in war and peace. We have seen internal Emergency as well, but we have remained strong and united. It is because of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution,”
Reflecting on his time as a judge, he highlighted his commitment to decentralizing justice and completing infrastructure projects.
The Chief Justice remarked,
“In the last 22 years as a judge, I have stood for decentralisation of justice and ensured several judicial infrastructure projects are completed. What gives me immense satisfaction is the Kolhapur circuit bench (of the Bombay High Court) and this Mandangad court building, which has been completed in two years,”
The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekar, Justices Makarand Karnik and Madhav Jamdar, Guardian Minister Uday Samant, and numerous senior judiciary members.
CJI Gavai described the project as a long-cherished aspiration and expressed gratitude to the Maharashtra government for its support.
He added,
“Even though the doctrine of separation of powers of executive and judiciary is expected to deliver justice to people, judiciary has to get cooperation from the executive in terms of funds to ensure justice reaches one and all. Court buildings have been inaugurated recently in Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Daryapur. I feel proud about the quality of their construction,”
The newly established court building features modern courtrooms, digital infrastructure, and amenities designed to accommodate the region’s growing caseload.