Chief Justice Flags Protocol Snub in Maharashtra

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has expressed concern over a lapse in protocol during his first visit to Maharashtra after assuming office. Speaking at a felicitation event organized by the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa on Sunday, Gavai noted that none of the state’s top officials — including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, or Mumbai Police Commissioner — were present to receive him when he arrived in Mumbai.

Highlighting the importance of respect among the three pillars of democracy — the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive — Gavai said such gestures go beyond formality. “When someone from Maharashtra becomes the Chief Justice of India and visits the state for the first time, and senior officials don’t think it appropriate to be present, it calls for reflection,” he said.

He emphasized that protocol is not just tradition but a mark of mutual respect between constitutional authorities. “Protocols aren’t new. They reflect the regard one constitutional institution holds for another,” Gavai remarked.

Although he acknowledged the matter may seem minor, Gavai said he felt compelled to speak up so people were aware. In a lighter moment, he added, “If someone else were in my place, maybe Article 142 would’ve been invoked.”

Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any order necessary to ensure complete justice in a case, including compelling the presence of individuals.

Justice Gavai, who took charge last month, is the second Dalit ever to become Chief Justice of India.