Speaking at the function, Justice Viswanathan praised CJI Gavai’s humility and leadership qualities. He shared an emotional story that unfolded on the final working day of Justice Bela M Trivedi.
Supreme Court judge Justice KV Viswanathan revealed how Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai went beyond protocol to pay a special tribute to retiring judge Justice Bela M Trivedi.
This rare gesture was shared during a felicitation ceremony organised by the Bar Council of India (BCI) to honour Justice Gavai, who recently became the 52nd Chief Justice of India.
Speaking at the function, Justice Viswanathan praised CJI Gavai’s humility and leadership qualities. He shared an emotional story that unfolded on the final working day of Justice Bela M Trivedi.
“I must tell you something about [his] administrative qualities, and I will at least let go one secret for which I have not taken his permission. As a judge, protocols never affected him. But what we got to see in the two days as Chief Justice is something phenomenal.”
Justice Viswanathan explained that Supreme Court judges usually follow a customary protocol on a judge’s last working day. All judges gather at the portico near the judges’ entrance at 1:30 PM after the ceremonial sitting to bid farewell.
“It happens normally at 1:30 on the last day of the sitting, after the ceremonial sitting. The judges come down. The concerned judge also comes down from the chamber.”
However, this time, something very unique and touching happened.
“But yesterday, we were all taken by surprise when, from the Chief Justice’s chamber on the ground floor, he [Justice Gavai] decided to walk up two floors to the Chamber of Hon’ble Justice Bela Trivedi, went right into her chamber. We followed suit, received her in the chamber, and then escorted her right down till the portico where a guard of honor is given and the learned judge is seated in the car, and symbolically, the car is pushed.”
Describing it as a meaningful moment, Justice Viswanathan said:
“I didn’t take the permission of the Chief Justice to reveal this, but I thought you must know, because protocols did not matter. It never mattered, but yesterday, a very healthy precedent has been set, and I am sure it will be followed in due course.”
Justice Viswanathan further highlighted Justice Gavai’s inspiring journey from humble beginnings to reaching the top position in the Indian judiciary.
“His story from Nagpur to Delhi and to the highest office of the Chief Justice of India is nothing short of inspirational. A lot of youngsters in the room and watching this program will take inspiration from this that under our legal system if hard work is put in, nothing is impossible… that has been proved.”
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He also praised CJI Gavai for his straightforward and fearless approach on the bench.
“Sometimes, sitting next to him, you feel that you know when the words get out of his mouth, it gets very spontaneously and there is no malice. There is nothing beyond what he really means to convey, and I think it has had its telling effect, so much so that the message that he conveyed yesterday was also taken in the right spirit.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also addressed the gathering, described CJI Gavai as a judge filled with humility.
“CJI Gavai is humility personified.”
He spoke about the Chief Justice’s impactful work done without seeking attention or credit.
“His work speaks; he speaks less, and that is the quality of a good judge.”
Mehta admired Justice Gavai for being a symbol of hope for the common man, representing what one can achieve with dedication and hard work.
“If we see the life journey of my Lord Justice Gavai, it can only be a part of a film story, literally starting from slums to holding the position of the highest judicial office in the country, needs several qualities in one human being, and it is rare to have several qualities in one human being.”
