In an emotional address at an event hosted by the Nagpur District Court Bar Association on Friday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai became teary-eyed as he recalled why he chose a career in law over his dream of becoming an architect. He revealed that it was his father’s unfulfilled aspiration to practice law that ultimately shaped his career path.
CJI Gavai, during his speech, said that it was his father’s wish for him to pursue law that eventually shaped his path. “I wanted to be an architect,” he shared, “but my father had different dreams He wanted to be a lawyer but couldn’t because of his role in the freedom movement.”
With visible emotion in his eyes and voice choked, CJI Gavai, who recently became the 52nd Chief Justice of India, in his speech gave rare personal insights into the roots of his judicial journey, marked by family sacrifices, unfulfilled dreams and personal choices shaped by legacy.
CJI Gavai spoke candidly about the hardships his parents faced while raising him and how their sacrifices deeply influenced his journey.
He spoke with reverence about his parents, particularly the struggles of his father, who had dedicated himself to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology, and his mother and aunt, who held the family together under financial stress.
“My father gave himself to the service of Ambedkar. He wanted to be an advocate himself, but couldn’t fulfil that wish as he was arrested for being part of the freedom movement,” Gavai said.
“All responsibility fell on my mother and aunt,” he said, his voice choked with emotion.
Gavai also remembered how his father, prior to passing away in 2015, foresaw that his son might one day become Chief Justice of India.
“Later, when my name was recommended for the post of a judge in the high court, my father said if you remain a lawyer, you will only go after money, but if you become a judge then you will walk on the path laid down by Ambedkar and do good for society,” Gavai said.
However, CJI Gavai’s father unfortunately did not live to witness his achievement. “We lost him in 2015, but I am glad my mother is there,” Gavai added.
Sensing the emotional atmosphere that overtook the audience and perhaps to lighten the mood, the Chief Justice eased the mood by humorously remembering a moment from his legal career involving a cheque bounce case against actor Hema Malini.
“There was so much crowd in the courtroom that day to get a glimpse of Hema Malini,” he said with a chuckle, “but we couldn’t help but enjoy the moment amidst the flurry.”
At last, CJI Gavai concluded by hinting at a future memoir upon his retirement, which is in November this year, adding that the journey had been rich with personal and professional stories worth sharing.
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