Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has recently emphasized the importance of a collegial and democratic approach to the functioning of the Supreme Court, asserting that it "should never be a 'chief justice-centric court'". Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Gavai highlighted that the Chief Justice is merely "the first among equals". He stressed that the Supreme Court should function as a collective body of judges and bar members.
Justice Gavai underscored that all judges and members of the bar are integral to the administration of justice. He stated that he has always considered the bar and the bench to be "equal stakeholders" in the institution. He described them as being like "two wheels of a golden chariot".
Recalling his time as a judge in the Bombay High Court, CJI Gavai mentioned that he always included the president and secretary of the bar association in the panel for finalizing plans for new building constructions. This was done to ensure that the needs of bar members, litigants, and especially-abled individuals were taken into consideration.
The CJI also spoke about the Supreme Court's achievements during the recent summer period, noting that the court had the highest number of case disposals during the partial working days from May 26 to July 11 in the last several years. The top court had rechristened its traditional summer vacations as "partial court working days" this year. He credited this achievement to the cooperation between the bench and the bar.
Furthermore, CJI Gavai touched upon the need to deliver justice at people's doorstep. As head of a judicial infrastructure committee of the top court, he prepared a model for setting up new taluka- and district-level courts. He also lamented that an "extraordinary" woman lawyer recently withdrew her consent for elevation to the Delhi High Court after waiting for nearly a year without any response from the Centre. He had been trying to persuade the Union government to expedite judicial appointments.
In related news, the Supreme Court has issued pan-India guidelines to address rising student suicides. These guidelines aim to create a unified framework for prevention in educational settings. Institutions must adopt mental health policies and appoint counselors. Safety measures like tamper-proof fans are mandated, and discrimination and disproportionate academic pressure are prohibited. States must establish coaching center regulations.
CJI Gavai is set to retire in November. Recently, he stated that he will not accept any government post after his retirement. He mentioned he would spend more time in his native areas of Darapur, Amravati and Nagpur. He made these comments while being felicitated at Darapur, his native village in Maharashtra's Amravati district.
