Former CJI Gavai said while responding to Justice Nagarathna’s objection, If the dissent had any merit, four other judges would have agreed, He emphasised that such disagreements are not new and the Collegium still upheld Justice Pancholi’s elevation.
CJI B. R. Gavai cautioned that while courts must protect citizens’ rights, “judicial activism should not turn into judicial adventurism or judicial terrorism.” He made the remark at a book launch in Delhi, stressing the need for balanced judicial intervention.
Today, On 29th October, During the All India Judges Association Case hearing, The Supreme Court clarified that it has no intention of curbing the discretion of High Courts in recommending names for appointments but questioned why each High Court is following a different policy in the process.
Today, On 29th October, During the All India Judges Association Case hearing, CJI BR Gavai questioned why different High Courts follow varying policies for District Judge appointments, hinting at the need for a uniform system across India’s judiciary.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI BR Gavai, has recommended the transfer of Chief Justices from four High Courts: Rajasthan to Madras, Tripura to Telangana, Jharkhand to Tripura, and Madras to Rajasthan. Additionally, 21 judges across ten High Courts were also recommended for transfer, while three judges were proposed for elevation to the Supreme Court.
Justice Abhay Oka, in his retirement speech, criticized the Supreme Court’s emphasis on the Chief Justice while advocating for democratic reform and greater attention to trial courts. He emphasized the need for transparency and collaboration among judges, highlighting the challenges faced by lower courts and expressing hope for change under the new Chief Justice, BR Gavai.
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna received a heartfelt farewell from colleagues and lawyers as he retired from the Supreme Court of India. His legacy of integrity, transparency, and dedication to justice was celebrated. Judges praised his patient demeanor, impressive memory, and significant contributions, highlighting his upward influence on future jurists.
Justice BR Gavai will assume the role of Chief Justice of India on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. His tenure will last about six months, ending with his retirement in November 2025. Gavai’s judicial career includes significant rulings in constitutional and administrative law, contributing to approximately 300 judgments.
R S Gavai, father of CJI-designate B R Gavai, was an Ambedkarite leader, ex-MP, and Governor of Kerala and Bihar. Justice Gavai has acknowledged his father’s decades-long association with the Congress party in public statements.
CJI-designate BR Gavai said “Supreme Court can’t be aloof when the country is in danger,”. Supporting the India-Pakistan ceasefire, he noted that war helps no one, citing conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza as examples.
