New Delhi: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, who retires on 23 November, said on Thursday that while he practises Buddhism, he considers himself a secular person who respects all religions.
Speaking at a farewell function organised by the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA), Gavai expressed gratitude to the judiciary and reflected on his journey. “I practice Buddhism, but I do not have much depth in any religious studies. I am truly secular and I believe in Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, everything. I have learnt this from my father. He was a secular and erudite follower of Dr Ambedkar,” he said, recalling how his family visited dargahs and gurdwaras during his childhood.
Gavai emphasised that his rise was possible only because of Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution. “Otherwise, I don’t think any boy studying in a municipal school sitting on the ground could ever dream of this. I have tried to live by the four cornerstones of the Indian Constitution — Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity,” he noted.
He also urged that the Supreme Court should not be seen as CJI centric. “The Supreme Court is a very great institution. Unless all the stakeholders, including the judges, the bar, the registry and staff work together, the court cannot function. The Supreme Court Bar Association and SCAORA should always be taken on board where problems of the bar are concerned,” he said.
CJI designate Justice Surya Kant praised Gavai’s commitment to justice for the common man, describing him as “warm, gracious and a great host.” He added that Gavai’s experience would remain an asset to the institution even after retirement.
SCAORA president Vipin Nair thanked the outgoing CJI for addressing concerns over investigating agencies summoning lawyers during probes.
(Inputs from PTI)