Latest news with #Gavai
News18
2 hours ago
- General
- News18
'Even Judges Aren't Above Scrutiny': CJI BR Gavai Urges Swift Action On Misconduct
Last Updated: The comments hold significance as Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is, in all likelihood, about to face impeachment proceedings Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Tuesday underscored the pressing need for integrity, transparency, and swift action when addressing allegations of judicial impropriety. '…the path to rebuilding this trust lies in the swift, decisive, and transparent action taken to address and resolve these issues," said CJI Gavai, addressing the issue of judicial misconduct. The CJI said that every system, no matter how robust, is susceptible to issues of professional misconduct. 'Sadly, there have been instances of corruption and misconduct that have surfaced even within the judiciary. Such occurrences inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence, potentially eroding faith in the integrity of the system as a whole," said Justice Gavai while delivering a powerful address at the UK Supreme Court Roundtable titled 'Maintaining Judicial Legitimacy and Public Confidence". Justice Gavai added that when such instances have come to light in India, the Supreme Court has consistently taken immediate and appropriate measures to address the misconduct. The comments of Justice Gavai hold larger significance as Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is, in all likelihood, about to face impeachment proceedings. The development comes after Justice Varma was indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel upon the discovery of a huge sum of burnt cash from his official residence in the national capital. Gavai also used the platform to highlight several proactive steps taken by the Indian judiciary to build public trust. Referring to transparency initiatives, he noted that judges of the Supreme Court have begun voluntarily disclosing their assets. 'Judges, as public functionaries, are accountable to the people," he said. He emphasised the importance of accessibility and public communication, mentioning the live-streaming of Constitution Bench hearings and the e-SCR portal, which offers free access to Supreme Court judgments. 'This initiative greatly benefits law students, researchers, and citizens by enabling one-click access to court rulings," he said. Touching upon judicial appointments, CJI Gavai reaffirmed the importance of keeping the process free from executive influence. 'There may be criticisms of the collegium system, but any solution must not come at the cost of judicial independence," he stressed. The Chief Justice concluded by cautioning that legitimacy is not commanded but earned. 'In today's digital era, where information flows freely and perceptions are rapidly shaped, the judiciary must rise to the challenge of being accessible, intelligible, and answerable—without compromising its independence," he said. First Published: June 04, 2025, 01:45 IST
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian Constitution: Chief Justice Gavai Acknowledges Constitution's Role in India's Unity During Crises, ET LegalWorld
The Constitution has ensured that whenever the country has faced a crisis, it has remained united and strong, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai said on Saturday. The CJI was addressing a function after the inauguration of advocate chambers and multi-level parking at the Allahabad High Court here. "When the Constitution was being made and its final draft was presented before the Constituent Assembly, at that time some people used to say that the Constitution is too federal while some used to say that it is too unitary. "Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had replied that the Constitution is neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary. But one thing I can tell you is that we have given a Constitution which will keep India united and strong both in times of peace and war," CJI Gavai said. Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETLegalWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App He said India has been on the path of development after independence due to the Constitution."Today we see what is the condition of our neighbouring countries. And India is making a journey towards development after independence. Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution," he the 75-year journey of the Constitution coming into effect, the legislature, the executive and the judiciary have contributed a lot in bringing social and economic equality, he said."It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice. Be it the legislature, the executive or the judiciary, everyone has to reach out to that citizen," the CJI told the to the land reforms, he said some laws were brought under which land was taken from the landlord and given to the landless persons."These laws were challenged from time to time. Before 1973, the Supreme Court's view was that if there is a conflict between the Directive Principles and the Fundamental Rights, then the Fundamental Rights will prevail."Gavai said, "In 1973, a decision of 13 judges came that the Parliament has the right to amend the Constitution and for this, it can amend the Fundamental Rights, but it does not have the right to change the basic structure of the Constitution."The Chief Justice of India said that this bench had also said that both the Fundamental Rights and the Directives Principles are the soul of the of these are the two wheels of the golden chariot of the Constitution, if you stop one of these wheels, the entire chariot will said, "I have always been saying that the bar and the bench are two sides of the same coin. Unless the bar and the bench work together, the chariot of justice cannot move forward."Today the Allahabad High Court has given a good role model for the whole country in which the judges vacated 12 bungalows for the bar (for the construction of the complex) and took care of the convenience of their lawyer brothers."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Constitution has kept Indiaunited during crisis: CJI
'Courts Must Reach Out To Every Citizen In Need' Rajesh Kumar Pandey | tnn Prayagraj: The Constitution of India has ensured that whenever the country has faced a crisis, it has remained united and strong, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Saturday. Justice Gavai was speaking at the inauguration of the new advocate chambers and a multi-level parking facility at Allahabad high court. This marked his first official engagement as the CJI. "When the Constitution was being drafted, some said it was too federal while some found it too unitary. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar replied that the Constitution was neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary. But one thing I can tell you is that we have given a Constitution which will keep India united and strong both in times of peace and war," said the CJI, adding, "Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution." Crediting the Constitution for guiding India on the path of development, Justice Gavai said, "We can see what is the condition of our neighbouring countries while India is making a journey towards development." In the 75-year journey of the Constitution, the legislature, executive and judiciary have contributed a lot in bringing social and economic equality, he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice. Be it the legislature, executive or judiciary, everyone has to reach out to that citizen," the CJI told the gathering. Referring to the land reforms, he said some laws were brought under which land was taken from the landlord and given to the landless persons. "These laws were challenged from time to time. Before 1973, the Supreme Court's view was that if there is a conflict between the Directive Principles and the Fundamental Rights, then the Fundamental Rights will prevail." "However, in 1973, a 13-judge bench ruled that Parliament has the right to amend the Constitution and for this, it can amend the Fundamental Rights, but it does not have the right to change the basic structure of the Constitution," he said. The 1973 bench also stated that both the Fundamental Rights and the Directives Principles are the soul of the Constitution, said Justice Gavai. Justice Gavai also congratulated judicial officers involved in 'Operation Sindoor' and noted the significance of inaugurating the project on the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. "She was a pioneer in social welfare, and it is our constitutional duty to reach the last citizen. The bar and the bench must work in unison to move the chariot of justice forward. Today, the Allahabad High Court has set a shining example -- a true role model," he said. Allahabad HC Chief Justice Arun Bhansali in his welcome address said the newly constructed advocates' chambers and multi-level car parking building will redefine the working environment of this court. "It's not just the inauguration of a building but affirmation of our collective efforts to a stronger and more accessible system of justice," he said. Minister of State, Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal said one should learn from CM Yogi Adityanath how to complete projects quickly. He also praised the CM for the success of Maha Kumbh and said his work was appreciated all over the world. Supreme Court's Justice Vikram Nath said, "Lawyers used to face a lot of problems due to the limited number of chambers and the new building will provide AC chambers to lawyers where they can meet their clients and do their work." He further shared, "I was a member of the building committee of Allahabad HC and we were facing parking and chambers problems. Therefore, we decided to do something and this idea came up that by demolishing 12 official judges bunglow which was adjacent to High Court, we will get enough land to build chambers and parking for lawyers. So I am personally very happy with the completion of this project." Other apex court judges who attended the event included Justice Surya Kant, Justice JK Maheshwari, Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Manoj Mishra. The advocate general of UP Ajay Kumar Misra and president of high court bar association (HCBA) president Anil Tiwari were also present. Chairman of the building project committee, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, who is a senior high court judge, proposed a vote of thanks. BOX 'Allahabad HC name inscribed in golden letters' CJI BR Gavai described the Allahabad high court as a historic institution whose name is inscribed in "golden letters" in the judicial spectrum. "It is my good fortune that my first programme as CJI is at the Allahabad HC. I have a long-standing and close relationship with Prayagraj. When I joined the Supreme Court in 2019, I formed deep personal bonds with Justices Vineet Saran, Krishna Murari, and later, Vikram Nath," he said. He lauded the rich legacy of the city and the High Court, saying, "Allahabad is spoken of with immense respect. It has given the country stalwarts like Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru, and literary legends such as Mahadevi Verma, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala', and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. The nation also salutes the contribution of freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad, whose legacy lives on. " BOX 'I thank CM for commitment to judiciary, public' Praising the new infrastructure at Allahabad HC, Justice Gavai said, "The advocate chambers and multi-level parking facility are outstanding. As far as I know, no court in the world has a facility of this scale and quality. I thank Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his commitment not only to judges and lawyers but also to the common citizen."
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Fundamental duty of judiciary, executive to reach out to last citizen who needs justice': CJI B R Gavai
CHIEF JUSTICE of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai on Saturday said that whether it is the judiciary or the executive, 'it is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice.' CJI Gavai was speaking at an event in Prayagraj. He inaugurated the newly constructed advocate chambers and multilevel parking building on the Allahabad High Court premises. Supreme Court judges Justice Suryakant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J K Maheshwari, Justice Pankaj Mittal, Justice Manoj Mishra, Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Justice Arun Bhansali, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay were among those present on the occasion. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal were also present at the event. Justice Gavai highlighted that over the 75 years since the Constitution was adopted, the judiciary and executive have enacted numerous laws that have significantly advanced social and economic equality in India. 'Land has been taken from landlords and transferred to the people. Farmers have become the rightful owners of their land. Many such laws have empowered the working and labour classes of the country.' Thanking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Justice acknowledged the funding provided for this expansive facility dedicated to lawyers. He noted that the inauguration coincides with the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a figure who championed social justice in India, calling it a 'proud moment'. Justice Gavai recalled Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's presentation of the final draft of the Constitution to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, describing Ambedkar's speech as a 'guiding beacon for the nation.' He emphasized Ambedkar's warning that true democracy could not be established without eliminating social and economic inequality. 'Today, after 75 years, our executive and judiciary have made significant contributions toward achieving social and economic equality across India,' he said. 'Our Constitution has firmly propelled the country toward progress during these 75 years. When the Constitution was drafted, critics said it was too federal. Baba Saheb responded that it is a Constitution designed to keep India united and strong, both in normal times and emergencies,' the CJI remarked. He added, 'Looking at the situation in our neighbouring countries today… India not only continues to progress after 75 years but also remains strong and united during times of crisis. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution.' Justice Gavai said, 'I am pleased that after becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, my first official programme is here, in the sacred land of Prayagraj. We have always shared a close connection with Prayagraj.' He mentioned that Union Minister Meghwal described Yogi Adityanath as the 'most powerful and hardworking Chief Minister in the country.' 'I would like to add that the land of Allahabad belongs to powerful people,' he said. He highlighted Prayagraj's distinguished contribution to the history of Uttar Pradesh, noting that this land's name is inscribed in golden letters in the field of law. Before Independence, some of India's finest lawyers hailed from here, including Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tej Bahadur Sapru and many others. Similarly, Prayagraj's literary heritage is rich with figures such as Mahadevi Verma, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Sumitranandan Pant, Suryakant Tripathi Nirala and Subhadra Kumari Chauhan. The entire nation also honours the sacrifice of Chandrashekhar Azad in India's Independence struggle. He congratulated the Allahabad High Court, its Chief Justice, all the judges and the members of the Bar Association, saying, 'You now have a magnificent building that will make Bar Associations across the country envious.' He added, 'I travel extensively across India and abroad but I have not seen such a large facility with so many amenities for advocates anywhere else in the world.' He said the government and the High Court have ensured care not only for judges and lawyers but also for the litigants. 'We have been informed that a large construction will take place on the adjacent plot, providing excellent facilities for the litigants who visit there. Special amenities will be available for all, including persons with disabilities and women.' He also took the opportunity to commend the High Court judges who 'sacrificed their bungalows for this building,' calling it 'a unique example of cooperation between the bar and the bench.' He emphasised, 'Unless the bar and bench work together, the chariot of justice cannot move forward.' Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his address at the ceremony, said, 'In the rule of law, the litigant is as important as the bar and bench.' Adityanath said that when his government took office, ten districts in UP did not have district courts. 'At times, either the Chief Justice or we did not approve the proposed designs. Eventually, we instructed the executing agencies to create a model that could serve as a standard. Along with integrated court complexes, provisions for parking and advocate chambers were included. Of the proposals we submitted, approvals have been received for seven districts from here, and Rs 1,700 crore has been released for those.' He highlighted that the Advocate Fund amount has been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and the age limit raised from 60 to 70 years. Additionally, a separate corpus fund of Rs 500 crore has been established. In case of an accident involving an advocate, the trustee committee will utilise this fund to support the affected family. New advocates are also receiving assistance for journals, magazines, and books during their first three years. The CM said that the infrastructure would accelerate the pace of justice delivery and add a new dimension to progress.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Whenever India faces crisis, Constitution keeps it united and strong: Chief Justice
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Saturday said that whenever the country has faced a crisis, it has remained united and strong, and that the Constitution should be credited for Gavai was addressing a function after the inauguration of advocate chambers and a multi-level parking at the Allahabad High Court here."When the Constitution was being made and its final draft was presented before the Constituent Assembly, at that time some people used to say that the Constitution is too federal, while some used to say that it is too unitary," he "Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had replied that the Constitution is neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary. But one thing I can tell you is that we have given a Constitution which will keep India united and strong both in times of peace and war," CJI Gavai said India has been on the path of development after independence due to the Constitution."Today we see what the condition is the condition of our neighbouring countries. And India is making a journey towards development after independence. Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution," he said."It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice. Be it the legislature, the executive or the judiciary, everyone has to reach out to that citizen," the CJI told the InTrending Reel
