Chief Justice of India-designate Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai has welcomed the ceasefire in the ongoing hostilities with Pakistan, just days before taking oath as the 51st Chief Justice of India. In an informal interaction with the media on Sunday, Justice Gavai expressed concern over global conflicts and emphasised the role of the judiciary in times of national crisis.
“Yuddh ke kya disasters hain we have already seen. It’s been three years since we have seen a war in Ukraine. Over 50 thousand have died. The other conflict in Gaza has seen many more casualties,” he said.
Welcoming the ceasefire, he added, “As a citizen of the country, everybody is concerned. Whatever happens, happens to everyone. Fortunately that there has been a ceasefire. By 12 tomorrow we will know more.”
Justice Gavai, who will become India’s first Buddhist Chief Justice, takes oath on Wednesday, two days after Buddha Purnima. “It is a great coincidence that I am taking oath the day after Buddh Purnima,” he said.
Calling himself “a totally secular person,” he spoke about his spiritual inclusivity. “I believe in all religions. I have friends from all religions. I go to Hindu temples and Jain temples and churches and mosques,” he added.
He also recalled the Supreme Court’s recent gesture of observing a two-minute silence on April 23 to mourn the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. “When the information came in newspapers about Pahalgam in the morning, we thought that we should show solidarity. The entire nation was in grief. We called a full court meeting at 2 PM with the permission of the CJI, who was out of India. We unanimously resolved to condemn it and stand in memory of the affected. When the country is in danger, the Supreme Court cannot be aloof. “We are also part of the same country, the same system,” he said.
Justice Gavai credited his legal journey to the influence of Dr BR Ambedkar and his father, RS Gavai, a former Rajya Sabha member. “I did not want to go into politics. My father said if you become a judge you can take Ambedkar’s vision of socio-economic justice forward. My judgments, if you see, I have upheld the cause of social justice,” he said.
He also reflected on his experiences as a judge visiting different parts of India, including violence-hit Manipur. Speaking of a visit to a relief camp during the unrest, he recalled, “An old lady in the camp told us. Welcome to your Home.”
While refraining from commenting on pending matters or his plans as CJI, Justice Gavai reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional supremacy. “What’s supreme is already known. It’s the Constitution that is supreme,” he said..
Justice Gavai is scheduled to be sworn in as Chief Justice of India on Wednesday, May 14.