Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Monday credited his rise to the nation's highest judicial office to the principles of Dr B R Ambedkar and the values passed down to him by his family.
During a felicitation by the Bar Council of India (BCI), the CJI said, “Whatever I am today is because of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology and the ‘sanskar’ I received from my parents."
He mentioned that being raised in a joint family taught him the importance of inclusivity and understanding social issues, lessons that were further reinforced by accompanying his father, Dadasaheb Gavai, to various public events.
He recalled his father's words who had said, "if you continue as a lawyer, you may earn lots and lots of money, but if you become a judge of a constitutional court, you can carry forward the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar's idea, of social and economic justice, in discharging your duty."
Gavai said that today he is happy that he had decided to abide by his father's words.
Reflecting on his swearing-in ceremony as the 51st Chief Justice of India, Gavai expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and affection he received following his appointment. He also issued an apology to members of the legal community who were unable to find seating at the Supreme Court during the event, despite arrangements in two auditoriums.
“I apologise for the inconvenience caused to several lawyers who came for the oath ceremony but could not get proper seating,” he said.
Supreme Court's Justice BR Gavai took oath as the next Chief Justice of India at 10 am today, 14 May. Justice Gavai replaces Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired as 51st Chief Justice of India on Tuesday, 13 May.
Justice Gavai was sworn in as CJI on May 14, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who retired on May 13. He is the second person from the Dalit community and the first Buddhist to hold the position of Chief Justice of India, following in the footsteps of former CJI KG Balakrishnan, the first Dalit CJI in 2007.
Justice Gavai will serve as CJI for six months before retiring in November 2025.
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