CJI is ‘first among equals' not master of Supreme Court: CJI
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Nagpur: Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai asserted on Saturday that the apex court is not exclusively for CJIs during a felicitation event organised by the Nagpur High Court Bar Association (HCBA) at the Suresh Bhat auditorium.
Speaking to a packed audience, CJI Gavai emphasized that the CJI is "first among equals" and not the master of the Supreme Court.
Gavai sought to counter the perception that the apex court is solely for CJIs, referencing his and former CJIs Uday Lalit and Sanjiv Khanna's efforts to promote transparency, democracy, and inclusivity within the judiciary. "I have immense respect for my predecessors, particularly CJIs Lalit and Khanna, who, despite short tenures, ushered in democratic reforms and inclusiveness," he stated.
Honoured by Justice Lalit, Gavai expressed gratitude, saying, "This honour from my brothers and sisters of HCBA means more to me than any accolade. I feel privileged that Justice Lalit is the one felicitating me."
Reflecting on his professional journey, Gavai acknowledged the pivotal roles of his legal mentors — including Raja Bhosale, Bhausahab Bobde, and VR Manohar — in shaping his career. "They suggested I shift to Nagpur and join the HCBA — a decision that proved to be a turning point in my life," he said.
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In 1990, Gavai joined the govt pleader's office in Nagpur under Advocate General VR Manohar. "I was still under seven years into my practice when I was offered the role of Assistant Government Pleader," he added.
Addressing a divisive period within the HCBA during the early 1990s, Gavai noted, "Despite a bitter election, personal friendships remained intact. We restored peace by electing Kumkum Sirpurkar as the first woman president and Nitin Sambre as secretary — both unifying choices."
Gavai credited former CJI Sharad Bobde for guiding him to accept the post of Government Pleader in 2000, a role that enabled him to mentor several young lawyers, including Nitin Sambre, Bharti Dangre, VM Deshpande, and Anil Kilor, many of whom have become High Court judges.
Gavai emphasized how his practice helped him face legal giants like Manohar, CG Madkholkar, and KH Deshpande. "If I hadn't taken up the role of GP, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to argue against such stalwarts."
Gavai served across Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Goa benches, earning respect for his thoroughness and social justice orientation. "As a judge presiding over PILs in Nagpur, I ensured that the Nagpur–Jabalpur highway, long delayed, was completed with ecological considerations like underpasses for wildlife."
Ending on a reflective note, CJI Gavai said, "I have had a deeply satisfying tenure across all four benches.
I received immense love from my colleagues and bar associations. I do not accept felicitation ceremonies generally, but I will make an exception for the places where I served as a judge — Aurangabad and Goa."
As a HC judge at Nagpur, Gavai presided over important rulings, such as upholding constitutional courts' jurisdiction over conflicting National Green Tribunal orders and increasing MBBS seats in govt colleges. Reflecting on his tenure, he stated, "I was deeply satisfied with my work across Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Goa benches."
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