Maharashtra government has issued official protocol guidelines for the Chief Justice of India’s visit and declared him a permanent state guest, following CJI Gavai’s concern over the absence of top officials during his first visit.
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has released protocol guidelines to ensure proper decorum during the Chief Justice of India’s visit to Mumbai and other regions of the state.
According to the guidelines, CJI B R Gavai has now been officially designated as a permanent state guest in Maharashtra, as stated in a government announcement on Tuesday.
The guidelines reference the State Guest Rules, but the state government faced embarrassment on Sunday when CJI Gavai expressed his dissatisfaction over the absence of the state Chief Secretary, the DGP, or the Mumbai police commissioner to greet him during his first visit to Maharashtra since his elevation to the highest judicial position.
CJI Gavai, who took his oath of office on May 14, was in Mumbai for a felicitation event.
On Monday, state cabinet minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule reported that he had called CJI Gavai to apologize on behalf of the state government for the protocol oversight.
Under the Maharashtra State Guest Rules of 2004, dignitaries designated as state guests are to receive reception and farewell arrangements at airports from the State Protocol Sub-division.
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At the district level, similar arrangements are handled by the District Collector’s office through appointed protocol officers.
As such, the Chief Justice of India will be entitled to all protocol-related benefits as per the State Guest Rules, 2004, which include accommodations, vehicle arrangements, and security during visits throughout the state.
During CJI Gavai’s visit to Mumbai, the Chief Secretary or a senior representative, the Director General of Police or a senior representative, and for visits to other districts, the respective District Collector and Commissioner/Superintendent of Police or their senior representatives are required to welcome the dignitary.
According to a circular from the General Administration Department dated March 7, 2022, the department responsible for the dignitary’s visit must designate a liaison officer to facilitate coordination and reception.
Thus, for visits to Mumbai, the Law and Judiciary Department of Maharashtra will appoint a Group-A level gazetted liaison officer. For visits to other districts, the respective district courts, in collaboration with the District Collector, will assign such officers.
The General Administration Department has directed all relevant authorities to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines.