Constitution Alone is Supreme, Not Parliament, Executive, or Judiciary: CJI Gavai

Time of India

26-06-2025

Nagpur: Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai on Wednesday offered a deeply personal, emotional, and reflective address in Amravati, recounting his journey from modest beginnings to the country's highest judicial office.
"Neither parliament, nor the executive, nor the judiciary is supreme. The Constitution of India alone is supreme, and the judges of higher judiciary are its custodians," he said, reiterating his judicial philosophy grounded in constitutional values, while replying to a grand felicitation by the Amravati District Bar Association, at Swami Vivekanand Auditorium on Wednesday evening.
Justice Gavai spoke of the heavy responsibility that judges bear, reminding that, "A judge can never be guided by what people feel about his judgment.
He is expected to decide according to the Constitution, the law, and his conscience." Emphasising the balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles, he added, "In every decision, I have tried to uphold the values of social justice, equality, fraternity, and constitutional morality.
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Reflecting on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the zudpi jungle issue of Vidarbha, Gavai called it a matter of shelter and livelihood rights.
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Describing his early life, Gavai recalled growing up in a small home with 10-15 family members and how his mother and aunts managed household duties under difficult circumstances. "My grandparents, my mother, my father — they all shaped my understanding of people's problems," he said, adding that he never initially intended to pursue law, having aspired to become an architect.
He credited his father, late RS Gavai — former Governor of Bihar and Kerala, and a staunch Ambedkarite — for influencing his decision to enter the legal profession.
"When my father was taking his LLB exams, he went to jail over a satyagraha, and could never give the exam. He then dedicated his life to public service. It was he who insisted I become a lawyer," Gavai recalled.
He acknowledged the early struggles of his legal career. "I wasn't sure if I would succeed. Many seniors and others stood by me when I needed them the most," he said.
He narrated how, when offered judgeship in 2001, he wrestled with the decision for nearly two years.
"My father told me, if you become a Supreme Court lawyer, you may earn bounty. But if you become a judge, you can help realise Dr Ambedkar's dream of equality. I'm glad I listened to him."
The CJI expressed heartfelt gratitude to his extended family, acknowledging their unwavering support. He thanked his wife and recalled how tough judicial life can be despite the appearance of ease. "People see the red light car, not the 15–16 hours of daily work. A judge must stay true to the Constitution and never be swayed," he said.