‘I came as a student of law and now I am leaving as a student of justice. I believe that every post is an opportunity to serve the country. That’s what I tried to do. Chief Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai remembered his journey from starting law practice in 1985 to his retirement from the highest post of judiciary in these words. The Chief Justice, who is retiring on Sunday, November 23, was sitting in the court as a judge for the last time on Friday.
First judge of Buddhist community
Justice Gavai, who became the Chief Justice of the country on May 14 this year, was the second person from the Scheduled Caste category and the first from the Buddhist community to reach this post. The country’s 52nd Chief Justice Gavai was born on 24 November 1960 in Amravati, Maharashtra. He belongs to a political family. His father Ramakrishna Gavai was MLC, Lok Sabha MP and Governor of 3 states. CJI BR Gavai became the judge of Bombay High Court in 2003. On 24 May 2019, he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court.
liberal attitude recognition
According to the tradition of the Supreme Court, a ceremonial bench (formal farewell bench) sat in his honor on Friday. In this, the next Chief Justice Surya Kant also sat with him. During this, many lawyers said many things in praise of Justice Gavai. What stood out the most in all these things was the generous attitude of Justice Gavai. Everyone unanimously said that the respect and affection with which he treated the lawyers will be remembered.
forgave the one who threw the shoe
The biggest example of Chief Justice Gavai’s generosity during his tenure was seen when he forgave a lawyer who threw a shoe at him. They decided not to take any action against the lawyer. Despite belonging to the Scheduled Caste category, Gavai has been continuously advocating for the creamy layer in the SC/ST category as well. He has openly said on many occasions that people from these classes who have become prosperous should not get the benefit of reservation.
Reply to presidential reference
Justice Gavai’s tenure as judge and CJI will be remembered for many big decisions. This week, the bench of 5 judges headed by him did not reply to the Presidential Reference sent by the President. It was made clear that the Governor and the President cannot be bound by time limits for taking decisions on bills.
Refused to ban Waqf law
In another important decision, Chief Justice Gavai refused to ban the Waqf Amendment Act. This cleared the way for implementing this law. The bench headed by him lifted the ban on firecrackers in Delhi and allowed the sale of green firecrackers. Due to this, after many years, this time the people of Delhi officially bought firecrackers and burst them on Diwali.
Bulldozer stopped speeding
Last year, the bench led by him had decided the rules to be applicable across the country regarding bulldozer action. The court had directed that before taking action on any property, it would be necessary to give notice to the affected person and there should be a gap of at least 15 days between the notice and the action.
Hearing on 370 and demonetization
Justice Gavai was a member of the bench which justified the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Justice Gavai was also a member of the bench that gave constitutional recognition to the demonetization of 2016. Apart from these decisions, Justice Gavai also played an important role in the decision to cancel the electoral bond scheme related to election donations.
relief from illegal arrest
In a recent decision he gave relief to the people from illegal arrests. He said that if the police does not tell the reason for the arrest in writing to the arrested person, then he will be released on this basis. He also gave many orders related to protection of environment and rights of wild animals.