New Delhi [India]: At a felicitation ceremony hosted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) in the national capital on Saturday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai delivered a thought-provoking address, underlining the importance of judicial sensitivity to social realities and advocating for a more inclusive and representative legal system.
The event was held in honour of Justice Gavai’s appointment as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, marking a significant moment in the country’s judicial history.
🧠 Understanding Society Beyond the Lawbooks
“The judiciary today cannot afford to operate in black-and-white terms. It must respond to the complexities of human experiences,”
— CJI B R Gavai
Justice Gavai noted that judges should not be detached from the people they serve. He rejected the idea that Supreme Court judges should remain isolated, stating that the judiciary must engage meaningfully with society to retain its relevance.
👨👦 A Personal Journey Rooted in Justice
Reflecting on his career path, Justice Gavai shared how he initially hesitated to accept the judgeship. His father had advised him that remaining a lawyer would bring greater financial returns, but he ultimately chose to serve the judiciary in the spirit of Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of social and economic justice.
“I feel fulfilled in having served 22 years in the High Court and six years in the Supreme Court. I have always strived to give my best to the judicial system.”
🔍 Focus on Inclusion and Representation
Justice Gavai is known for championing diversity in judicial appointments. He praised former CJI D Y Chandrachud for urging High Court Chief Justices to actively identify candidates from marginalised and underrepresented communities, including women and Dalits.
“Inclusivity must be an institutional priority. Identifying skilled women advocates and bringing them into the judiciary is not just possible, but necessary.”
He acknowledged the challenges in finding eligible female candidates for some posts but encouraged greater effort and outreach, particularly within the Supreme Court Bar.
⚖️ Addressing Vacancies to Tackle Case Backlog
Touching on one of the judiciary’s most pressing concerns, the vacancy crisis, CJI Gavai emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the judiciary and the executive to expedite judicial appointments and reduce case pendency.
“The Collegium is fully committed to filling judicial vacancies. We urge the executive to work in tandem with us.”
🌍 A Milestone in Representation
Ending on a powerful note, CJI Gavai shared that the first appointment he cleared as Chief Justice was that of a judge from an extremely marginalised community in Karnataka — a testament to his belief that the judiciary must reflect the society it serves.
“This is more than a symbolic step — it reflects our commitment to justice, equity, and true representation.”