Opposition Slams Maharashtra Government Over Protocol Breach During CJI’s Visit
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai’s visit to Maharashtra sparks row over protocol lapse, as Opposition demands accountability from state officials.
Mumbai: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai’s first visit to his home state Maharashtra after becoming the CJI has courted controversy with the opposition parties slamming the Mahayuti government over the protocol violation. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has sought a clarification from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the matter alleging the CJI was insulted by the state government in his own state.
The CJI had on Sunday expressed his displeasure over a protocol lapse during his visit to Maharashtra, noting that key state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police or the city Police Commissioner, were absent to receive him upon arrival in Mumbai.
Justice Gavai is the second Dalit to reach the post of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Opposition MVA slammed the Centre for not giving proper protocol to him.
“It is a very unfortunate incident that a son of Maharashtra reaches the post of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the country and is insulted by the government in his own state. Are the ruling elites and high-ranking officials in the Maharashtra government angry with the judiciary? Can’t they follow simple protocol? Will the government and the relevant administrative officials take responsibility for this? At least clarify whose fault it is?” asked Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar.
“It is shocking to learn that some high level officers who should have been present as per protocol to welcome the CJI during his maiden visit after resuming his new office were absent. The Chief Minister should clarify why such lapses occurred and should make them accountable,” NCP (SP) chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said.
CJI Gavai was in Mumbai on Sunday to attend a felicitation ceremony organised by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa at Dadar. Speaking at the event, he underscored the importance of mutual respect among the three pillars of democracy - the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive.
“When a person from Maharashtra becomes the Chief Justice of India and visits Maharashtra for the first time, if the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Director General of Police, or the Mumbai Police Commissioner don’t feel it appropriate to be present, then it’s up to them to think about whether it is right or not,” the Chief Justice said.
Mr. Gavai also pointed out that protocol is not a mere formality, but a symbol of the respect constitutional authorities extend to one another. “Protocols are not something new - it's a question of the respect one constitutional body gives to another,” the CJI said.
Mr. Gavai, who took oath as CJI on May 14, said that while he does not want to get into such minor matters, he felt the need to mention the same so that people know about it. “If in my place there was someone else, then the provisions of Article 142 would be considered,” he said.
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue any order necessary to deliver complete justice in cases before it. It also authorises the court to issue directives for securing the attendance of individuals.
