Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa condemned top state officials for failing to welcome CJI BR Gavai during his first visit. A formal complaint and demand for action have been initiated.
Mumbai: Today, On 20th May 2025, during its Virtual Meeting No. 9 held at 10:45 A.M. at the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa office in Mumbai, the General Council members passed a strong resolution against senior state and police officials for failing to follow official protocol during the Chief Justice of India’s (CJI) recent visit to Maharashtra.
According to B.C. Resolution No. 96 of 2025, the Bar Council members unanimously criticized the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai, for not being present at the Mumbai Airport to welcome the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India on his first visit to the state after taking the oath of office.
In their words:
“IT IS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT the act of not welcoming and receiving the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India at Mumbai Airport by the Chief Secretary – State of Maharashtra, Director General of Police – Maharashtra and the Commissioner of Police – Mumbai upon arrival of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India on 17/05/2025, who came for the first time to the State of Maharashtra after his oath ceremony is hereby strongly condemned.”
The Bar Council viewed this omission as a serious failure in official protocol and emphasized the need for immediate consequences.
It called for direct intervention from the state’s political and judicial leadership:
“IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT an appropriate action be taken against the Erring Officers for not paying respect to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. Accordingly, a letter be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of State of Maharashtra.”
In addition to action by the government, the Bar Council also appealed to the judiciary:
“IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Hon’ble Chief Justice of Bombay High Court be requested to take appropriate action against the erring Officers in the Office of the Registrar General of Bombay High Court who are responsible for such lapses.”
ALSO READ: CJI on Maharashtra Protocol Matter: “Trivial Issue, Give It a Quietus”
The resolution also addressed another issue that occurred at the Mumbai Airport on the same day.
It highlighted that the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a Former Chairman of the Bar Council were denied entry by airport security when they came to receive the Chief Justice of India, despite being official hosts for the CJI’s scheduled function in Mumbai on 18th May 2025.
The members voiced their strong protest:
“IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT act of not allowing entry to the Chairman and Vice Chairman and the Former Chairman at the hands of Airport Security at Mumbai Airport to welcome and receive the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India in the capacity of hosts of the function scheduled on 18/05/2025 at Mumbai is equally condemned.”
The Council called for an immediate enquiry and suitable disciplinary action:
“IT IS ALSO RESOLVED THAT an enquiry be made, and action be initiated against the erring concerned Officers. Accordingly, a letter be sent to the Hon’ble Chief Justice, Bombay High Court and other Authorities.”
Finally, the Bar Council set a firm timeline for authorities to act:
“IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED THAT if an appropriate action is not taken within a period of 1 month, a meeting will be held for taking further necessary steps with reference to this issue.”
The resolution reflects the Council’s serious concern over the lack of respect shown to the Chief Justice of India, who is the highest-ranking judge in the country.
It underlines the importance of observing legal and ceremonial protocols, especially when it involves constitutional authorities such as the Chief Justice.
Also Read: CJI Gavai Vows to Uphold Constitution and Rule of Law During His Tenure
The Bar Council’s move shows its commitment to upholding the dignity of the judiciary and ensuring that government officers fulfill their official responsibilities, particularly in matters of national importance.
The next few weeks will be crucial in seeing whether the concerned state and judicial authorities take the necessary steps, as the Council has clearly stated that further action will follow if no steps are taken within a month.
Read Online:
Click Here to Read More Reports On Domestic Violence
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
