Chief Justice of India BR Gavai shares his secular beliefs and reflections on the Constitution in his farewell speech. He emphasizes that he practices Buddhism but believes in justice, equality, and respect for all religions.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, who is set to retire on November 23, delivered an emotional and reflective farewell speech at the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) function, emphasizing his commitment to secularism, Buddhism, and the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
CJI Gavai, who hails from the Dalit community, openly discussed his religious beliefs, saying:
“I practice Buddhism but I don’t have much depth in any religious studies. I am truly secular and I believe in Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity… everything. I have learnt from my father since he believed in Dr. Ambedkar. Someone used to tell him about a Dargah… we used to go.”
He highlighted the influence of Dr. BR Ambedkar and the Constitution on his life:
“Whatever I am today is because of the institution and shall always remain grateful to it. I could reach this position only because of Dr. Ambedkar and the Constitution. I have tried to live by the four corners of the Indian Constitution – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.”
During his address, CJI Gavai stressed that the Supreme Court should function collaboratively and not be centered on the Chief Justice alone:
“I always believed that the Supreme Court of India should not be CJI-centric but of all the judges. Decisions were not taken by me individually but were placed before the full court and addresses. The Supreme Court is a great institution, and it is with participation of all stakeholders such as judges, bar, registry, and staff that the court functions.”
SCAORA President Vipin Nair praised CJI Gavai for taking swift action regarding the issue of investigating agencies summoning lawyers:
“Your suo motu cognizance of the issue of lawyers summoning will be remembered forever. The way you immediately took cognizance of our letter shows your commitment to justice.”
The Court had ruled on October 31 that agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) cannot summon lawyers in connection with advice given to clients, a decision lauded by the legal fraternity.
Attorney General R Venkataramani also praised CJI Gavai’s measured approach to the incident in which a lawyer had thrown a shoe at him:
“I received a large number of requests to issue sanction for prosecution against a lawyer concerned… CJI Gavai has by all scores dealt with it with high standards of objectivity and balance.”
CJI designate Justice Surya Kant shared his reflections on CJI Gavai’s leadership:
“His commitment for the common man in the street is something which is so formidable that you will find from various schemes that have been launched by NALSA and various activities on a pan India basis that we were successfully able to launch under his dynamic leadership.”
CJI BR Gavai’s farewell speech underscores his dedication to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. His tenure will be remembered for reinforcing secular values, strengthening the collaborative nature of the Supreme Court, and protecting the rights of the legal community.
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