Former CJI Bhushan Gavai said the judiciary cannot function if either the bar or bench weakens, calling them the “two wheels of the golden chariot.” He was speaking at the High Court Bar Association installation ceremony in Nagpur after his retirement.
Former Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Gavai, on Saturday described the legal fraternity as the backbone of the justice delivery system and emphasised the strong partnership between lawyers and judges. Speaking at a special event in Nagpur, he said,
“Bar and bench are two wheels of the golden chariot of judiciary. If one wheel slows down, the entire chariot comes to a standstill.”
Justice Gavai was the chief guest at the installation ceremony of the newly elected executive body of the High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Nagpur. The function was held at the renovated Vasantrao Deshpande Hall and was attended by several prominent members of the judiciary and legal community.
Among those present were Justice Anil Kilor, senior administrative judge of the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court, Justice Nitin Sambre of the Delhi High Court, former Supreme Court judge Justice Vikas Sirpurkar, along with past and present judges, senior advocates and members of the bar.
Calling the occasion special and emotional, Justice Gavai referred to it as his “homecoming,” as it was the first public event he attended after retiring as Chief Justice of India.
He said,
“I was always a member of HCBA,”
and expressed happiness at being back among his colleagues in Nagpur. He also appreciated the efforts of the outgoing executive committee for their work over the last four years. He mentioned their successful organisation of the association’s centenary celebrations and the felicitation ceremonies of former Chief Justice of India Uday Lalit and Justice Atul Chandurkar.
Justice Gavai also spoke about the rich legacy of the Nagpur Bar. He said that the city has produced many respected judges and legal stalwarts, including Justice Vivian Bose, former CJI M R Bobde, and former CJI Mohammed Hidayatullah.
He said,
“It is always a matter of pride to call ourselves members of HCBA, Nagpur.”
He further acknowledged the contributions of senior lawyer V R Manohar and former Chief Justice Sharad Bobde in strengthening the association both financially and professionally.
Sharing a personal memory, he recalled restoring a historic chair once used by Justice Hidayatullah during his tenure as government pleader. He proudly stated,
“We are proud that we belong to this bar which produced legends.”
During the ceremony, Justice Gavai formally declared the new executive committee of the High Court Bar Association installed. Advocate Abhay Sambre was elected president with the highest margin of votes, while Advocate Shrirang Bhongade was elected as secretary.
Justice Gavai noted that Abhay Sambre had earlier served as secretary when Anil Mardikar was president, and reminded him of the responsibilities ahead by saying,
“There is a big responsibility on his shoulders.”
Justice Anil Kilor also addressed the gathering and shared guidance he once received from former Chief Justice Sharad Bobde when he became president of the HCBA.
Recalling those words, he said,
“You are carrying forward a legacy created by stalwarts.”
He added that elections are not just about victory but about responsibility, saying they bring
“trust that carries responsibility and service”.
Justice Nitin Sambre praised the High Court Bar Association of Nagpur for its goodwill and reputation across different benches. He encouraged senior lawyers to guide and support junior advocates and asked members to protect the values and traditions of the institution.
In his acceptance speech, newly elected president Abhay Sambre thanked the outgoing team led by former president Atul Pande and secretary Amol Jaltare. Acknowledging their efforts, he said,
“You laid the foundation with hard work; it will guide us.”
He further assured members of his commitment to serve with sincerity and said,
“We accept this mandate with humility.”
He also highlighted that women’s reservation was introduced in the association elections this year and noted that two women were elected in the open category, which, according to him, would
“enrich our collective”.
Outlining his future plans, Abhay Sambre announced that the association would revive the study circle for junior lawyers to help them improve their legal knowledge and skills. He also promised transparent solutions for issues related to parking and seating allocation and assured better coordination with the registry and the bench. He said that continuous learning and the welfare of members would remain top priorities of the new executive body.
The event not only marked a new beginning for the High Court Bar Association, Nagpur, but also highlighted the importance of unity between the bar and the bench in strengthening the justice system in India. Justice Gavai’s presence and words served as a reminder that the judiciary functions effectively only when judges and lawyers work together with mutual respect, responsibility and dedication.
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