Vice President Dhankhar reacted to CJI Gavai’s concerns over protocol issues, saying, “I am also a sufferer.” He emphasized that following protocol is not about personal status but about respecting constitutional institutions and traditions.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday supported Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, emphasizing that following protocol is essential, as he expressed his disappointment over the absence of the vice president’s portrait alongside those of the president and the prime minister.
He mentioned that ,he was also a “sufferer” of protocol in a way.
He stated,
“You must have seen the photograph of the president and the prime minister, but not of the vice president. Once I demit office, I’ll ensure that my successor has a photograph.”
His comments on protocol followed Chief Justice Gavai’s expression of dissatisfaction regarding the absence of Maharashtra’s chief secretary, director general of police, or the Mumbai Police commissioner during his first visit to the state after assuming his role.
CJI Gavai, who took his oath on May 14, was in Mumbai for a felicitation event hosted by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
Shortly after his remarks, all three officials were present when he visited Chaityabhoomi, the cremation site of B.R. Ambedkar, to honor the prominent social reformer and chief architect of India’s Constitution.
Speaking at an event in Delhi, Mr. Dhankhar noted that he was reminded of “something very critical in the country, and that is not for oneself … we must believe in protocol.”
He continued,
“The Chief Justice of the country and the protocol are placed very high. When he indicated this, it was not personal, it was for the position he holds. And I am sure this will be kept in mind by one and all.”
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The vice president affirmed,
“But I am really beholden to the present CJI for inviting attention to the people in the bureaucracy. Adherence to protocol is fundamental.”
VP Dhankhar’s remarks came just a day after Chief Justice Gavai expressed serious displeasure over the absence of key government officials, including the Maharashtra Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Mumbai.
They failed to receive him during his first official visit to Maharashtra after becoming the 52nd Chief Justice of India.