CJI Bhushan Gavai stressed the need for decentralising the judiciary to make justice more accessible. He urged faster reforms to bring courts closer to common citizens.
Amravati: On July 25, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai emphasised the need for decentralising the Indian judiciary so that people, especially those in remote areas, can access justice easily and without unnecessary delays.
He was speaking at a special function after inaugurating a new court building in Daryapur town, located in his native district Amravati in eastern Maharashtra.
The Chief Justice made it clear that his focus remains on improving judicial infrastructure across the country and ensuring that common citizens do not have to travel long distances to seek justice.
As the head of the Judicial Infrastructure Committee, CJI Gavai has already prepared a model for establishing new courts at the taluka (sub-district) and district levels.
However, he expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of the proposal.
He said,
“It (work on his proposal) is happening, but red tapism in courts and government is same.”
CJI Gavai appreciated the efforts of various Maharashtra Chief Ministers, including current CM Devendra Fadnavis and his predecessors Eknath Shinde (who served from June 2022 to November 2024) and Uddhav Thackeray (from November 2019 to June 2022), for their supportive attitude towards improving court infrastructure.
He acknowledged that funding for judicial development is being provided in an adequate manner.
During his address, CJI Gavai shared that his visit to Daryapur was not in his official capacity as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, but as someone who belongs to the area.
He said,
“I have come to Daryapur not as the Supreme Court chief justice, but as a resident of the district,”
The event was also held in remembrance of his late father R.S. Gavai, who had served as Governor of Kerala and later of Bihar. It marked the 10th death anniversary of the respected leader.
Speaking about the newly inaugurated court in Daryapur, the Chief Justice said he hopes it will be instrumental in ensuring access to justice for every individual in the region.
“I hope the Daryapur court will ensure justice reaches the last person in society.”
CJI Gavai, who took over the top post in May 2025, reiterated his long-standing belief in decentralisation of the judiciary.
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“I have always advocated decentralisation of the judiciary so that justice is delivered at the doorstep of litigants.”
He also took the opportunity to advise young lawyers and fresh law graduates. He encouraged them to take up apprenticeships under senior lawyers before trying to establish themselves independently.
He remarked,
“If one wants to argue in courts without any experience and own a Mercedes or BMW in six months, then one needs to understand their motive.”
The Chief Justice warned against the growing trend among junior lawyers of becoming arrogant due to the status linked with the legal profession.
He stressed the importance of maintaining humility and respecting seniors in the field.
He said,
“I have seen junior lawyers not offering seat to their seniors. Similarly, there was an instance where a junior lawyer fainted in court when he was fired by the judge. Both judges and lawyers are equal partners. The chair (representing legal authority) is to serve people and power associated with it should not be allowed to go into their heads,”
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