CJI BR Gavai reshuffled the Supreme Court roster after two controversial orders by Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan, including one directing “all stray dogs be removed and sent to shelter homes.” Justice Mahadevan has now been shifted to a new bench.
New Delhi: On August 21, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice BR Gavai has carried out a major reshuffle in the Supreme Court roster after two controversial decisions delivered by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan created a storm.
The first controversy came from a case connected to the Allahabad High Court. In this matter, the bench of Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan had passed a direction that
“a judge of the High Court not hear any criminal case till his retirement.”
The bench also ordered that
“he should be seated in the bench headed by a senior judge.”
This unprecedented direction led to a huge uproar within judicial circles and outside.
ALSO READ: Supreme Court Verdict on Stray Dogs Case to Be Delivered on August 22
Seeing the rising criticism, CJI Gavai personally intervened in the matter. He asked the bench to take a second look at the decision. As a result of this intervention, the bench had to modify its earlier order and dilute its directions.
The second controversy emerged in a public interest case concerning stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region. On August 11, the same bench of Justices Pardiwala and Mahadevan ordered that
“all stray dogs be removed from the streets and sent to shelter homes.”
The order triggered a nationwide debate and also strong protests from animal rights groups, citizens, and activists. Many questioned the feasibility and legality of such a direction.
Taking note of the growing backlash, CJI Gavai once again stepped in. He immediately took the matter away from Justice Pardiwala’s bench and reassigned it to a newly constituted three-judge bench for further hearing.
Following these two major controversies, CJI Gavai decided to make changes in the functioning roster of the Supreme Court.
As per the new arrangement, Justice KV Vishwanathan has now been added to the bench of Justice JB Pardiwala. At the same time, Justice R Mahadevan has been shifted and placed in the bench of Justice BV Nagarathna.
The reshuffle is being seen as a corrective step to ensure smooth functioning of benches and to prevent further controversies.
It also shows how the Chief Justice, as the master of the roster, retains the final authority to assign cases and restructure benches whenever required in the interest of justice and judicial discipline.
| Case | Original Order (Key Quotes) | Follow-up / Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Allahabad HC Judge (Aug 4) | “not be assigned any criminal determination …”, “make the judge sit in a division bench with a seasoned senior judge.” | Order deleted and remanded; CJI role in roster reaffirmed. |
| Stray Dogs (Aug 11) | “pick up stray dogs and relocate … within eight weeks.” / “not be released back.” / “no sentiments … involved.” | Reassigned to a 3-judge bench for review; pending further consideration. |
Read Roster (Allahabad HC Judge (Aug 4)):
Read Order (Stray Dogs) (Aug 11):
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Stray Dogs
