CJI Gavai Indicates Strong Views About Judiciary And Executive Relationship

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has given fair indications about his strong views regarding the relationship especially between the judiciary and the executive. In his first public address after becoming CJI, Gavai received felicitation from the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa in Mumbai on May 17. At the event, Gavai pointed out the absence of three key officials — the state chief secretary, the Director General of Police and the Mumbai Police Commissioner. He said the three pillars of democracy are equal and every constitutional institution must show respect to others. Regarding his visit, Gavai said when a person from Maharashtra becomes CJI and visits the state for the first time and if the chief secretary, the DGP or the Mumbai CP don’t feel it appropriate to be present, then they need to reflect on that. Afterwards, when CJI visited Chaitya Bhoomi, chief secretary Sujata Saunik, DGP Rashmi Shukla and Mumbai CP Deven Bharti were present, believed to have rushed to greet him after learning about CJI’s ire. When asked about this, he replied that he was not fussy about protocol but had only mentioned what had happened. The CJI’s remarks are considered significant against the backdrop of President Droupadi Murmu’s 14-point letter to the Supreme Court about the timeline suggested for President and state governors. Her reference to Article 361 of the Constitution is the crux of the matter as it says that the President or the governor shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise of the powers and duties of office.