CJI-designate Justice BR Gavai
NEW DELHI: True to his steadfast alignment to
Ambedkar’s philosophy
of equality and dignity for the downtrodden and a day before taking oath as CJI, Justice Bhushan Ramakant Gavai said he considers his position as a judge and head of judiciary an opportunity to strive for social and
political justice
. “Justice must be equitable irrespective of a person’s social or monetary status,” Gavai said. “Timely justice is the ultimate goal,” he said. Interacting with TOI after visiting the Shanti Stupa in Delhi on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, CJI-designate Justice B R Gavai said B R Ambedkar’s belief in the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity remains eternally essential for India’s democracy and unity. Legal aid to the poor is dear to his heart. He wants National Legal Services Authority and the Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee to synchronise their activities with state- and district-level legal service authorities to create synergy for making litigation affordable and less tortuous for the poor.
Diversity and inclusivity is also a mantra that has become part of his decision-making process over the years. “We will attempt to get women judges and give representation to diverse communities in constitutional courts without compromising merit and suitability,” he said. “Timely justice is the ultimate goal,” the CJI-designate said. “Reducing pendency at every level of the three-tier justice delivery system through a long-term strategy is the need of the hour. Augmentation of judicial infrastructure and facilities for litigants, especially in district and taluk level courts, will be given priority during my tenure,” Justice Gavai said. During his tenure, the collegium led by him will have the opportunity to fill five vacancies that will arise in the SC. He will be the
first Buddhist CJI
and second Dalit, after CJI K G Balakrishnan, in the 75-year histor
Read More