CJI BR Gavai emphasized that the judiciary must serve citizens, not privilege. While laying the foundation of the new Bombay High Court complex, he urged simplicity over extravagance, declaring, “Judges are no more feudal lords.”
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MUMBAI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Gavai on Wednesday emphasized that the upcoming Bombay High Court complex in Bandra (East) must embody constitutional values, simplicity, and accessibility, not grandeur or extravagance. Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the new building, CJI Gavai declared that “judges are no more feudal lords,” asserting that the judiciary exists to serve the people, not to project power.
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In his address, the Chief Justice urged that the new court building should reflect the democratic spirit of the Indian Constitution. He said reports of extravagance were misplaced, pointing out that even judges would share elevators.
“While planning court buildings, we concentrate on the needs of judges, but we should not forget that we exist for citizens, the litigants. This building should be a temple of justice, not a seven-star hotel”
CJI Gavai said.
He also highlighted that the complex should balance functionality with dignity, ensuring that it serves both judges and the public efficiently.
Having assumed office on May 14, 2025, CJI Gavai will demit office on November 24, 2025. He expressed gratitude that his final official event in Maharashtra as Chief Justice was tied to the Bombay High Court, where he once served as a judge.
“I was initially reluctant to attend this event. But now I feel grateful that I could conclude my tenure by laying the foundation stone of what will be the best court building in the country,”
he said.
CJI Gavai underlined that all three pillars of democracy, the judiciary, legislature, and executive, must work in harmony to ensure justice for every citizen. He also dismissed claims that Maharashtra’s judicial infrastructure lags, noting that several new court buildings have been inaugurated during his tenure.
“The judiciary in Maharashtra is progressing well,”
he said confidently.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. CM Fadnavis said the upcoming complex will complement the historic Bombay High Court building in Fort, which has been a symbol of justice since 1862.
“We are the biggest litigants. Proper space must be provided for our legal teams,”
he said, adding that the new complex would be AI-enabled and completed on schedule.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar called the event a “historic moment and a new era” in the 150-year history of the Bombay High Court. He confirmed that 15 acres of land have already been transferred for the project, with another 15 acres to be handed over by March 2026.
The new Bandra complex will span over 50 lakh square feet and cost more than ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the largest judicial infrastructure projects in India.
